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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap Copyright No 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




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Couplets on Human Nature 



GEO. WASHINGTON NIMS, 

I: 

Author of ''The Deserted Farm," ''Forsaken by the World," 

''Uncle Reuben's Adventures Abroad," "My Childhood's 

Declining Village," "Counseling the Young," 

"The Moss-Grown Cot, and other Lyrics 

and Poems," " The Humorous Side of 

Human Nature," Etc., Etc. 




I, MASS7 



BOSTON 

PRESS OF P. J. BRii: 
1898. 




TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 



SECOND COPV, 



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51.399 



COPYRIGHT, 1595, 
— 5Y — 

GEO. W. NIM5. 



Couplets on Human Nature. 



If we can do no good, let's do no harm, 

Nor waste one drop of justice' healing balm. 

When dark days come, our friends we learn, 

The false then quickly we discern. 

But narrow minds are known to cater to the few, 

And foolish ones to run a handsome fortune through. 

The want of early training in ill-manners shows, 

As many a shrewd observer to his sorrow knows. 

Abuse can ne'er the place of kindness take, 

Nor honesty, for craft and cunning fake. 

Better by far sleep in an unknown grave, 

Than have it said, "To rum his soul he gave." 

When private matters men repeat they soon become 

Bores to perfection, for they seem so wearisome. 

Love abstinence if you long life desire. 

If you would not be scorched by passion's fire. 

Alas! suspicious minds but rarely do much good. 

They hesitate so long, not giving when they should. 

The miser sees in every call for aid 

Some kind of fraud, which doth his mind dissuade. 

O, Friendship! so beloved w^hate'er thy creed, 

How oft has treachery caused thy heart to bleed ! 

When men to mad despondency give in, 

Then folly's imps commence to dance and grin. 

Lo, narrow minds rank bigots make. 

Or mortal man the truth ne'er spake. 

He who a gossiper would trust 

Must have allowed his wit to rust. 

Pride never did, nor can 

Make a true gentleman. 

Children who are to parents kind, 

Know joy of heart and peace of mind. 

Remember, little minds oft judge by cloth, 

And without reason, make a wise man wroth. 

O how inspiring are the master works of art ! 

How they the mind exalt, how pleasing to the heart! 

Than talent, tact for getting on in life 

Is more to be desired in calm or strife. 

In Jesus Christ, the world its noblest friend doth see, 

The friend who would redeem it from iniquity. 

Proposals base ne'er heed, so long as honor you revere, 

So long as you the names of mother, God and home hold dear. 



4 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The hardened scorner sneers at wise reproof, 

A nd from the haunts of justice keeps aloof. 

In public life discretion is a priceless boon 

Which those who lack, to court cannot begin too soon. 

It is an undenying fact, and most unseemly, 

That men ne'er seem so base as when they're acting meanly. 

The prosperous man, good sense displays, 

When he walks not where meanness strays. 

Honor has naught to do with an ungrateful heart, 

For how could it, if base injustice forms a part? 

If you would not appear ridiculous, extremes avoid, 

Or you by laughter and insult may often be annoyed. 

Miserly hearts cannot their meanness hide, 

Tho' they in secret all their thoughts confide. 

The love that weathers every storm is most admired, 

Because the most enduring and the most desired. 

Ay, understand the matter ere you judge. 

Or you for error's cause may justly drudge. 

The babbling tongue doth naught but misery sow. 

It loves so well to criticise and blow. 

The indolent too oft on busy-bodies call. 

That they may spend an hour with scandal, cheek and gall. 

How blest is he who can his tongue control, 

Who nobly swears discretion is his goal ! 

If you would build eternally — on Christ you must, 

As works of finite man decay and end in dust. 

Base Hypocrite! there's One who reads thee well. 

No matter where it be thy lot to dwell. 

Greatness of soul the proud and vain know not; 

Whose godless lives are none too soon forgot. 

How many a worthless soul lies hid from sight, 

'Neath broadcloth fine, and costly jewels bright! 

With simple softness giggling is allied. 

As self-conceit is to unseemly pride. 

Who loves his neighbors to insult, with mischief strolls, 

And in hot-water's yard lies down and madly rolls. 

The abstinent ne'er suffer from intemperance' ills, 

But bask in peace and sunshine on discretions hills. 

The happy home where gentle love and kindness rule, 

For genial hearts and noble minds is a fit school. 

Be well-informed, or cease your neighbor's sins to judge. 

And ne'er his gifts, tho' great or small, for once begrudge. 

Be not too quick to credit every thing you hear. 

Lest at you some day, sense and prudence justly sneer. 

No credit doth he he gain who slurs his native land, 

However poor it be, however rich or grand. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. O 

Whoever with his means is prone to lavish be, 

Is traveling on the road that leads to poverty. 

As sinners vile upon the plains of opulence have rolled, 

And noble saints are often poor, we cannot judge by gold. 

Of matters we know next to naught about 

We should not judge, while there's a chance to doubt. 

The soul of bigotry seems small 

When tinctured with sarcastic gall. 

Be meddlesome and you'll be talked about, 

As you should be, who'll for an instant doubt? 

Suspicions prove, or you may wrongfully accuse, 

And very soon your neigbors' good will lose. 

The forward child who learns unnecessary slang, 

Causes its mother's heart full many a bitter pang. 

Teach children to love what is good, and hate whate'er is base, 

If you from year to year desire to have them grow in grace! 

What inspiration beams upon a saintly mother's face 

To elevate the mind, and fill the heart with heavenly grace! 

Parents who train their young to love strong drink do sadly err, 

And justly too, the ire of righteousness do oft incur. 

Friends they have longest known, men value most; 

As they prefer the days of yore to toast. 

Fault-finders rather grumble than to pray, 

And in the cheerless courts of trouble stray. 

Upon the heights where faith and piety abide. 

Are never seen the slaves of vanity and pride. 

As it is easy to be misinformed, be slow 

We should our neighbors to accuse, until we know. 

Parents incapable of bringing children up 

Are often seen to drink from misery's uninviting cup. 

What stupid ignorance do scholars often find 

In those who do not care to cultivate the mind! 

Lo, vice and dissipation do their thousands slay. 

As youth and innocence they love to lead astray. 

Think noble thoughts if you with truth would often soar 

Above the vain, and wisdom's dizzy heights explore. 

Falsehood's deceit, the truthful child abhors, 

As mercy, cruelty's inhuman laws. 

The soul that would deny its God, 

Would to the gravest errors nod. 

Who tramples on the weak reveals a hardened heart, 

Whose cruel record makes the noble-minded start. 

When we have laid some loved one 'neath the sod, 

How comforting it say, "We trust in God." 

Who would be affable, for friends may never lack, 

If they for pleasing have by nature a fine knack. 



6 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

With a dull child have patience, or it will more slowly learn, 

And cause your foolish indignation to more fiercely burn. 

Don't be inquisitive, or questions rude e'er ask, 

If you in justice' flowery fields would never cease to bask. 

Impudent questioning belongs to the ill-bred. 

As those who have good manners learned have often said. 

In troublous times be slow to credit everything you read. 

If you on froth and vain credulity would never feed. 

Whenever you would friendships form be on your guard, 

Or some day you may have to learn a lesson hard. 

Avoid extremes however zealous you may be, 

Or you may soon be introduced to bigotry. 

When you forget the Word of God it pleases sin, • 

As you thro' it are much more easily taken in. 

He must have graduated from wise justice' school, 

Who night and day delights to keep the golden rule. 

Oh, never lose your love for what is good and pure, 

Lest sin's bewitching wiles your senses should allure. 

Vile hypocrites are they who preach what they do not believe, 

Laughing down in their sleeves when they the public do deceive. 

Strive to be thorough in whate'er you undertake to do, 

If thro' the fields of proud success you long to wander through. 

The nervously inclined have naught to do with fear, 

So consequently they shed many a needless tear. 

Ay, ay, expect surprises and you'll suffer less, 

When suddenly you find yourself in trouble and distress. 

Never act hastily, under excitement's spell. 

Or you may wake to find yourself in trouble's hell. 

Ah, yes ! how sweet to those with whom the world hath roughly dealt. 

Are pity's soothing tears! how they the hardened heart do melt. 

If self-conceit you'd please, then say, "Yes! Yes!" to everything 

It talks about, if you discretion's heart would bleed or wring. 

For friends, good children and good looks — one might find worse. 

As they the heart do cheer, but never basely curse. 

No friendships form with those who evil see in everything, 

Lest to your peaceful home they scandal, vvoe and mischief bring. 

"Oh, mother dear !" the child exclaims, "I've found no friend like thee. 

No friend so willing to forgive, so kind and true to me!" 

How seldom envious hearts their neighbors' weaknesses smooth o'er. 

Or in the light of day their worthy qualities adore ! 

Whoe'er's offended easily for sense and foresight lacks, 

Or minds too credulous have ne'er been humbugged by base quacks. 

Ne'er from the dangerous mounts of wickedness e'er long to gaze. 

If you have no desire to prematurely end your days. 

Peace and contentment rarely dwell with those who want too much, 

Or those who have by accidents been maimed ne'er used a crutch. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. * 

No matter when or where, avoid vulgarity of speech, 

If you would profit by the lessons that wise sages teach. 

O'er troubles you will rarely fret if you would wisely act, 

But patience woo, if you have some of understanding's tact. 

As men more humane and more wiser grow, 

Ay, ay, to war they'll hesitate to go. 

Do not too easily believe a rumor or report, 

Unless the foolishness of folly you desire to court. 

Make no compromises with sin, if you with peace would dwell, 

Unless you long to know what 'tis to be in trouble's hell. 

Against your neighbors never harbor needless spite, 

So long as you believe in what is just and right. 

Treat others kindly and you'll have of friends your share, 

Who for your name and weal will never cease to care. 

Politeness ne'er forget, no matter when or where, 

Then you'll have less to do with trouble, shame and care. 

Do not be overwise if you with sense desire to dwell. 

Nor to a summer friend your bosom secrets tell. 

O, wayward child, awake! and think of mother's kind advice. 

Then baneful sin your precious soul will soon cease to entice. 

Who doth his temper lose when arguing, 

Needless disgrace upon his name may bring. 

Reason consult before on jealousy you call, 

Or into one of folly's pits you'll likely fall. 

When young begin aright, and far more likely you'll succeed, 

Or kindly hearts are never known to do a generous deed. 

The carnal mind to earth too firmly clings, 

Desiring not to fly with spirit wings. 

He must to folly bow who with presumptuousness would roam. 

And be a stranger to the comforts of a happy home. . 

In mad excitement's hour weigh well what you're about to say. 

If you would wisely act, and with the prudent choose to stray. 

However high the waves rise on life's boisterous sea. 

With patience never fail on friendly terms to be. 

Make no compromises with aught that harms your fellow-men. 

Nor e'en one line, that might prove detrimental, ever pen. 

O, night and day let justice be your guiding star. 

So peace-destroying sin your character'll not mar. 

By mere Utopian ideas, oh, ne'er be led astray, 

Nor in assumption's yard desire to have your children play. 

Make children mind, or you to them may prove unjust; 

Or those who goodness woo in Jesus never trust. 

Ungrateful children may the thorns of folly reap. 

When those they once abused beneath the cold sod sleep. 

Children who love to please their parents must kind hearts possess, 

Along with no mean share of honor and of righteousness. 



8 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How saucy children do the peace of home annoy, 

Bringing in wretchedness in place of peace and joy! 

Ay, wise we cease to be soon's we to foolish anger yield, 

For then the implements of folly we commence to wield. 

Avoid extremes if you thro' life would wisely walk, 

If you would with the wise and the far-seeing talk. 

Sneer not at him who has in life come down, 

Because he wears misfortune's cheerless gown. 

Pleasure, too ardently, oh, never dare to woo, 

If to the precious laws of health you would be true. 

With shallow minds soft vanity seems most at home, 

Or those who love to rove are never known to roam. 

Wise is that statesman who in danger's hour is calm and cool, 

Who swears that men are ne'er too old tolearn in wisdom's school. 

Refrain from judging ere the facts you've rightly learned, 

Ere you the signs of truth and fair play have discerned. 

If you have no desire to be ensnared by lust, 

Then give your heart to Christ and in his teachings trust. 

Better pray for than to ill-treat your enemies, if you 

Thro' blind revenge do not desire yonr character to stain. 

Ere you condemn be sure that you have justice on your side. 

If you desire with honor, truth and righteousness to 'bide. 

Better strive to obey than criticise the Word of God, 

If you'd respected be when you are lying 'neath the sod. 

Who loves to run the noble teachings of the Master down, 

Must long within dishonor's sea his sin-curst soul to drown. 

Who would, if it were possible, the name of Christ defame, 

Is blind to what is noble, good and true, and dead to shame. 

If you would justly live, your neighbors you cannot malign. 

Nor with the treach'rous and the mean ere long to sup or dine. 

With violence have naught to do, and from oppression flee, 

Or you may soon be introduced to woe and misery. 

The simplest minds, like shallow streams, most noisy seem. 

Or fops and simpletons with nonsense never teem. 

Who enter wedlock's gates, should never do it thoughtlessly, 

Or they in sack-cloth may repent, and long for liberty. 

Pleasures which harm avoid as you would the small-pox. 

Or you may shipwrecked be on folly's dangerous rocks. 

An enemy to harmless pleasures must for wisdom lack. 

Or careless children with an axe are never known to hack. 

Lo, vain desires, oh never strive to multiply. 

If o'er foolhardiness you do not wish to sigh. 

Treasure whate'er is good, and for the cause of right e'er stand, 

If you desire to be a member of fair justice' band. 

Who to excitement doth too easily give in. 

Cannot a stranger be to foolishness and sin. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 9 

Of natures cunning, dark and sly, beware ! 

If you would shun much trouble, pain and care. 

Who would abuse old age reveals a cruel heart 

That may sometime, for its base folly, soundly smart. 

No gentleman or lady looks down on old age 

Who praises righteousness or venerates the sage. 

The sting of slander harmeth not, nor vicious talk. 

If we in virtue's pleasant paths uprightly walk. 

When you 'bout life and conduct write, the truth then dare to tell, 

Tho' you in consequence should have with poyerty to dwell. 

With those we love most patiently we bear, 

And to their welfare give our tenderest care. 

That evil, goodness will some da}- eradicate. 

The noblest minds and hearts believe must be its fate. 

Children who early from the breast of falsehood nurse, 

To parents often prove no ordinary curse. 

Too constant fretting is a curse to health, 

In the abodes of poverty or wealth. 

A heavy burden is a worthless character. 

As from its actions any wise man would infer. 

The heavenly heights of Christian joy man never can attain 

So long as they desire to dwell down on the carnal plane. 

None but the mean hatch lies to injure others, 

Tho' they be strangers, friends, or Christian brothers. 

The buoyant spirit is to health a friend, indeed. 

That pessimism's followers can never bleed. 

Uphold the truth, and battle for the right. 

If you desire to worthy seem in justice' sight. 

Sometimes, the little works of noble hearts, are boons, indeed. 

In dreary days of sickness and in bitter hours of need. 

Who would corrupt sweet home, an enemy to man must be, 

Tho' rich or poor, tho' high or low, whate'er his pedigree. 

A shallow mind but rarely stops to meditate, 

And rarer still becomes an honor to the state. 

The sympathetic heart is welcome everywhere, 

With those who lowly live, or grandly fare. 

How true ! vain babblers ne'er with peace and honor dwell. 

For how should they be fair when they wish no man well? 

When progress comes, then superstition seeks the shade. 

Where its dprk blossoms soon begin to droop and fade. 

If senseless whims you crave, then seek a superstitious mind. 

Where, to your heart's content, the rankest notions you will find. 

Oh' who like one's relations can his failings air, 

If on life's downward journey he has found rough fare ? 

The man whose heart is filled with enterprise and thrift 

Will not be likely on life's boisterous seas to drift. 



10 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How soon are men forgot, who leave no works behind, 

Who've wrought no telling deeds, ennobling to the mind! 

Gold never proves to be a curse when rightly used, 

But a most precious boon to all when not abused. 

Good music doth refinement breed; 

Soothing the heart that's prone to bleed. 

For spirit food fools rarely crave, 

As they ne'er look beyond the grave. 

God pity the relf-righteous heart. 

Whose boasting makes the upright start. 

Tho' men be great or good, tho' mean or small, 

Each loves his native land the best of all. 

Of noble ancestors, 'tis very natural to feel proud, 

If they with goodness walked, or was with genius well endowed. 

Between the rich and poor death draws no line. 

But 'round the human race doth fair play twine. 

Worthy indeed, is he who does the best he can, 

In striving to proclaim the brotherhood of man. 

Who w^ould insult the chastit}^ of womanhood. 

Cannot be traveling on the highways of the good. 

A child's respect, harsh parents justl}' lose. 

When language vile and base they're wont to use. 

In childhood, memory's candles do most brightly burn, 

When children first begin life's simplest task to learn. 

Responsibility when not allied to right, 

Is too inclined to keep fair dealing out of sight. 

The pensive mind in meditation finds relief 

lu sad affliction's hours, when burdened with sore grief. 

Promptness and fleet despatch are stars in business life, 

When men, to gain the mastery, would their neighbors knife. 

A mind, by justice led, would ne'er ungrateful be, 

Tho' insignificant the deed of charity. 

Lo, none but godless hearts would thrive on ill-got gain; 

As unto justice it would prove a deadly bane. 

However bright or learned the mind must retrograde, 

The moment it from aspiration's mount has strayed. 

How simple minds delight to put on airs, 

And become victims of weak folly's snares! 

Humility and greatness are akin, 

And to the halls of pride ne'er enter in. 

Foolhardy natures oft with dunces stray, 

And wander far from reason's haunts away. 

Lo, just to see their names in print, vain natures give, 

And near the haunts of vanity unwisely live. 

How blest is he, whose works his friends appreciate, 

Tho' they be common place, or worthy of the great! 



COUPIvKTS ON HUMAN NATURE. H 

A gossip never can a Christian be, 

Nor dwell with love and peace in harmony. 

Masses or classes, justice would respect the rights of all, 

And never meanly wound the feelings of the great, or small. 

Who courteth wickedness can ne'er attain 

The heights where righteousness and honor reign. 

How blest are they who have with genius often strolled. 

And freely drank life's truths from out its founts of gold ! 

The timid mind of its own shadow seems afraid, 

And without a good reason, oft becomes dismayed. 

Lo ! to be proud, when we have not the slightest cause, 

Is strangely to transgress wise understanding's laws. 

A servile mind, of honor claims no part, 

So oft by folly it is made to smart. 

Better to coax than drive a child, 

However much our feelings may be riled. 

Parents who fail to make their children mind, 

Their share of woe and trouble surely find. 

Howe'er unjust the wish, tho' fair or nice. 

The greedy heart longs for the largest slice. 

The ignorant, to self-conceit, too oft are wed, — 

Too oft to wise discretion's golden precepts dead. 

When virtue wanes, the joys of home less pleasing seem. 

Ay, ay, when threats and foul suspicions thickly teem. 

A hell indeed, is home when cursed by rum, 

When its poor inmates are to reason dumb. 

Let him who can respect a scold. 

Or love a heart that's always cold. 

Ah, yes! it pays to humble be, 

To patronize humility. 

The modest lass, so chaste and sweet, 

Lo, honored friends delight to greet ! 

How manhood wanes when we've become the slaves of drink; 

When we move blindly on and never stop to think. 

Strong minds are not disturbed by every gust of wind, 

Nor to the apron strings of fickleness are pinned. 

To thoroughness, promotion's ever been a friend. 

Ay, one that's never failed a helping hand to lend. 

The simplest noble act is registered above, 

Tho' little noticed here, if wroght by sincere love. 

With those we love most patiently webear, 

And for their interests with pleasure care. 

Be hasty and with woe and trouble wrangle oft. 

Or wise philosophers at fools have vainly scoffed. 

The heart that's never moved by music's strains, how cold ! 

How callous it must be ! how like unfeeling gold! 



12 COUPIvETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Good-day to virtue when a maiden looses self-respect, 

When in her manners, men cannot sweet modesty detect. 

Natures refined, with the uncouth, cannot affiliate. 

No more than simpletons, with sons and daughters of the great. 

With jealous hearts no friendships ever form, 

Or you may perish in some cruel storm. 

Foolhardy natures recklessly expose their lives. 

And, without reason, trifle with fire-arms and knives. 

Who longeth for forbidden fruit cannot be wise, 

Nor to the mountain peaks of justice hope to rise. 

The heart of woman is the tenderest, 

As it doth keener feel for the distrest. 

Friends most congenial to our tastes w^e love the best, 

When they with love and sweet contentment have been blest. 

The noblest minds and hearts the name of Jesus venerate, 

It represents so many a virtue and illustrious trait. 

No man, by justice led, would fight against fair play. 

Nor, just for gain, upon the weak desire to prey. 

No man can nobly feel, (and who'll deny the fact?) 

Where'er he dwells, if he hath wrought a meanly act. 

Who would upon his neighbor's back his irksome burdens lay. 

Must from the vales of righteousness be roaming far away. 

Alas ! who has for spotless virtue no respect, 

On folly's coast may sometime find himself shipwrecked. 

Lo! envious hearts, the talented despise. 

As they do those who long in life to rise. 

A heart the fickle world deems gay, 

But seldom comes in wisdom's way. 

Av'rice and are burdens still to high society, 

And long's vile wickedness can trouble breed, must ever be. 

When law is influenced by gold, farewell to justice' cause, 

To honor and fair play, and all their just and priceless laws. 

Oppressors of their fellow-men have always been despised, 

And frowned upon, as things unworthy to be loved or prized. 

The child who would to faithful parents disrespectful be, 

Is not with honor, love and righteousness, in unity. 

How true ! we seldom think of those for whom we do not care, 

Whate'er their stations be in life, —however they may fare. 

To the light-fingered, conscience seems to be unknown, 

So long the seeds of craft und folly they have sown. 

Ne'er pledge your word in haste, nor promise thoughtlessly. 

So long as you love honor and sincerity. 

Judge when you've rightly learned the facts, and not till then, 

If you would keep the good will of your fellow-men. 

Remember, crimes in secret wrought may publicly be aired, 

As villains know, who have for wickedness, most roughly fared. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 13 

How few are wont to seek the good that in their neighbors lie, 

Compared with those who 'bout their weaknesses delight to cry. 

One's enemies' good qualities, how hard it seems to praise, 

Tho' they with poverty reside, or roam where fortune strays. 

Fools rarely 'neath the surface look, 

Fut stare and stare, like babes forsook. 

How oft we find a heart like icebergs cold. 

Beneath broadcloth, diamonds and glittering gold ! 

Beneath a faded coat may dwell 

A heart whom multitudes love well. 

Of him who oft equivocates, beware. 

Lest you become the victim of a snare. 

Who love to look for evil in their neighbors must be mean. 

As they in worthy company are hardly ever seen. 

He who's with sterling gumption well supplied 

Possesses a rich boon — to fools denied. 

What one man loves, another hates, — 

Admiring what his neighbor underrates. 

Who, like the envious, delight so well to criticise 

The faults and weaknesses of those who long in life to rise? 

O'er trifles what a time vain gossipers create, 

Alas ! when they their own shortcomings should berate. 

Impertinence doth bonds of friendship sever, 

Tho' mild its questionings, tho' meek or clever. 

Fools seldom can their business mind, 'tis true. 

When they, alas ! have nothing else to do. 

O fiendish War ! When will thy carnage cease? 

When will the human race bow down to peace? 

To faithful friends, whoever would ungrateful be. 

Deserves to feel the pangs of cold adversity. 

Whene'er from duty's honored paths we stray, 

We cease to tread the straight and narrow way. 

Accomplishments are the delight of souls refined. 

Of all who truly love to cultivate the mind. 

Who can accomplish much who has no enterprise, 

Nor in the world of progress a desire to rise? 

No food like meditation for the mind ! 

No balm like sympathy when it hath pined ! 

Right living never breeds the noxious plants of shame. 

But on its advocates bestows a worthy name. 

How manifold the blessings of a Christian home, 

For peace and joy its inmates ne'er have need to roam ! 

In time of trouble look on the bright side. 

If by the chasm of despair you'd glide. 

Good-bye to peace when rash impatience rules. 

When men, for-want of sense, become its tools. 



14 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Children, who oft their loving parents 'buse, 

Will think of it when they those parents lose. 

Love bringeth joy, contentment, peace, 

Which bid contention's noise to cease. 

Alas ! fools judge by money, cloth and style, 

E'en when the heart is running o'er with guile. 

Natures excitable, seem most at home in an uproar, 

When in their neighbors' ears imaginary ills they pour. 

Children, too much abused at home. 

May wander far away, to roam. 

Whoever careth for the young, or feels for their welfare, 

Will never pen a line which can't the light of justice bear. 

True followers of Jesus Christ can never meanly slight 

A fellow-man for being poor, or weak, or barely bright. 

How sweet it seems, to think our loved ones gone before 

Are waiting for us on the everlasting shore ! 

The man of effort is no figure-head. 

As he's to enterprise and backbone wed. 

Christ seeks the welfare of our consciences and hearts, 

But the cold world for us cares not, when gold departs. 

The world knows us, so long as we have gold, 

Till it has flown, then leaves us in the cold. 

How envy growls when enemies ascend 

The steps of fame, and then how they offend! 

How quickly home becomes an uninviting place, 

When in it signs of love we can no longer trace ! 

What ruin ambition brings, when not by wisdom ruled ; 

If it, by indiscretion has been rightly schooled ! 

Court cheerfulness, if health you would regain, 

And in its balmy groves with pleasure train. 

Hypocrisy and sham the righteous spurn. 

For in them they the seeds of sin discern. 

What, like the Christian's cheering hope, consoles the heart 

When death appears, to bid some loved one to depart? 

Envy, a brilliant rival ne'er can tolerate, 

Nor willingly promote the interests of the great. 

Rivals must never hope in wisdom's bed to lie, 

So long as they to mortal combat wish to fly. 

Avoid contention, or with trouble dwell, 

And genial peace to tribulation sell. 

Heroic deeds to immortality are wed ; 

Such brilliant lustre on the name of man they shed. 

A flippant tongue, the ear of patience tires. 

And often, needlessly, one's anger fires. 

E'en shallow minds can notice men when they are up. 

But noble ones, when the}- are down, with them will sup. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 15 

Who values time in business, will more likely rise 

Than he, who, to be punctual, but seldom tries. 

Whoe'er would meanly use his fellow-men for tools, 

Must be a zealous student in injustice' schools. 

Who wins a good wife, has a priceless jewel found, 

From whom one never should desire to be unbound. 

The followers of peace are never found where envy strays, 

Nor understanding where it meanly sulks and brays. 

Whoever o'er his passions has complete control. 

Of needless ills will have the fewest to condole. 

One's sinful actions, rather than one's dwelling-place, 

Will bring upon his name misfortune and disgrace. 

None but the arrant coward robs the weak, 

Or so precisely acts the part of sneak. 

Who visits oft, or sojourns long, for wisdom lacks; 

For the sweet patience of good-nature sadly racks. 

Who would with one's relations, prolonged visits make. 

Cannot for his best interests, be wide awake. 

Who trifles magnif}- , and oft exaggerate, 

But rarely journey on the highways of the great. 

The ransomed heart, at peace with God, is happy everywhere; 

And, unlike sin, without complaint, life's sorest burdens bear. 

Whoe'er has been well-bred, or with good-manners sups. 

In conversation ne'er unwisely interrupts. 

Who studies just to please his senseless vanity. 

In wisdom's highest courts, his fellow- men ne'er'll see. 

W^hen weak-willed men to brutal passion meanly kneel, 

How soon the piercing arrows of remorse they feel ! 

Ay, everywhere we should the seeds of goodness sow. 

In mansion and in cot, among the high and low. 

It never pays to trample on the weak. 

Nor to despise or frown upon the meek. 

Who finds himself unsuited for a wedded life. 

Will single live, unless he loveth woe and strife. 

Where wisdom hesitates to go, presumption treads, 

And consequently lieth oft on trouble's beds. 

In cloth and gold, ne'er seek for character and worth. 

Nor altogether in one's lineage and birth. 

Whoever would in courtship's days, his future bride deceive. 

May, when within fair w^edlock's gates, begin to sigh and grieve. 

How can he hope his mind to broaden, who reads lit'rature 

Which lacks fordepth and width, — that's trashy, senseless, and impure. 

Ay, ay, a treacherous heart seems most at home when in the dark. 

Where it can pounce upon its prey like ocean's wily shark ! 

O, Plagiarist so base! thro' wisdom's vales thou durst not stray, 

Lest, to chagrin and shame, thou shouldst become an easy prey ! 



16 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Too prodigal, oh, who can be. 

And still enjoy prosperity ? 

Backbiters are with cowardice allied, 

And in the halls of treachery abide. 

Refrain from interfering, if you would from danger keep. 

If from the slippery cliffs of folly you would never leap. 

When those we love grow cold, yea, prove untrue, 

How dim life's brightest scenes appear! how blue! 

O Human Heart ! what contradictions in thee dwell, 

What strange desires, which make of thee a heaven or hell ! 

How often grit the greatest obstacles o'ercome, 

And with amazement strike the chicken-hearted dumb! 

The pessimist, with hope has not enough to do; 

In consequence, his thoughts are often very blue. 

A noble w^oman is the dearest gift of God, 

Who, in sweet goodness' cause, doth never cease to plod. 

Absence but rarely harms, when only brief. 

But when prolonged, may cause a flood of grief. 

Oh, what a dismal lesson for the proud, 

Princes, like tramps, must some day don the shroud! 

The pride that wealth creates is shallow, vain, 

And quite unsuited for the human brain. 

O heavenly grace ! so undefiled. 

How oft on martyrs thou hast smiled! 

The noblest calling must be to do good,— 

To try so every mortal should. 

Procrastination is an enemy to thrift, 

Causing its followers to meanly lie and shift. 

Miserly souls ne'er heed the needy's cries. 

Nor in the ranks of goodness long to rise. 

As God is father of us all, 

How mean race hatred seems ! how small ! 

Pity we must if pitied we would be, 

If we would follow after charity. 

How true ! If we thro' life uprightly walk, 

We can afford to let our neighbors talk. 

He who is wanting in ability, 

A servant ot servility must be. 

In envy's courts, oh! ne'er for w^orth or justice seek, 

Nor, to please gain, attempt to prey upon the weak. 

The follies of the rich and poor alike condemn. 

And with the needles of fair play delight to hem. 

If we in business life should promptness lack, 

'T would on the road to wealth, soon set us back. 

A generous soul; the grateful heart delights. 

And ne'er, like parsimony's canker, blights. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 17 

Who covers up the dirt of wickedness for gain, 

Within his soul, for principle, will seek in vain. 

Too often lives are sacrificed for vain success, 

By those who dare the laws of sense and righteousness. 

God pity children who've been reared in joyless unbelief, 

Who find, when conning o'er God's word, no comfort nor relief. 

An absence too prolonged, has proved to many a lover, dear, — 

Causing to madly flow, the bitter and repentant tear. 

Be not surprised, if you're the public's pet to-day, 

Should it to-morrow with some other idol stray. 

Honors unjust!}' earned soon pass away, 

When they shrink from the searching light of day. 

Fault-finders are to misery wed, 

And to the joys of comfort dead. 

Comforting thoughts, and kindly words of love, 

Soothe, like the joyous notes of birds above. 

Venturesome spirits sadly mourn their want of tact, 

With indiscretions pains they are so often racked. 

Well, foresight cries: "Never be venturesome, 

When you are dallying with gold or rum !" 

An open nature should discretion woo. 

Or many foolish things 'twill likely do. 

The faith that doth on reason stand, who can assail, 

Or o'er its arguments so clear, for once prevail? 

He loves good health who strives to cheerful be. 

Thro' dreary days of dark adversity. 

The sordid miser never gives. 

And why? For self alone he lives. 

A sunny heart doth like sw^eet music cheer 

In palaces, — in hovels dark and drear. 

Pure thoughts a worthy mind doth elevate, 

Like noble deeds, the records of the great. 

The Christian's hopes, what joy doth bring, — 

To his pure heart an endless spring ! 

How oft doth fretfulness the heart impair. 

As restless streams their channels deeper wear ! 

We love a dangerous foe, indeed, when we court sin, 

When to our hearts it finds a way to enter in. 

Whoever to temptation yields. 

May wander o'er misfortune's fields. 

The vicious shun the haunts of light. 

To revel by the shades of night. 

So long as men will harbor sin, 

They never can contentment win. 

Great riches bring annoying cares 

To him who sumptuosly fares. 



18 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How often those who follow sin, rather than truth and God, 

Become in time the sorrowing victims of His chastening rod. 

As fortune-tellers bow for gain, — their hearts filled with deceit. 

So backbiters with smiles, their shrewdless victims love to greet. 

That nation mourns, whose laws are domineered by gold. 

Whose honor hath to mammon's interests been sold. 

"Suspicious minds are ne'er to truth and justice wed," 

As followers of righteousness have often said. 

Alas ! too often crafty shrewdness stoops to basely sin, 

That it may take the simple and the unsuspecting in. 

He who delights to meanly slur, 

Must sadly lack for character. 

He w^ho delights to run the bible down, 

May never wear discretion's cherished gown. 

Who gladly fights for freedom's cause, deserves to honored be, 

When he doth sacrifice to make his fellow-creatures free. 

Fools tire as doth the babbling of the vain ; — 

Annoying, as the rumbling oi a train. 

With those who love to twit have naught to do, 

Unless to justice' cause you'd prove untrue. 

Among the rich — among the poor, we find 

Kindness of heart and nobleness of mind. 

O Faith ! vain doubt oft drives thee far away ; 

Still, millions love thro' life with thee to stray! 

Wisdom would judge our works, and not our idle talk. 

Or sense and understanding would its counsels mock. 

Natures impetuous, do oft for coolness sadly lack, 

Oft putting calm discretion and foresight upon the rack. 

Ideals lofty, oft the soul do elevate, 

ho, often to a noble, grand, and sublime state. 

Lo! none like vicious hearts the innocent beguile. 

And in their soul-destroying nets strive to defile. 

To those w^ho've lived sad lives of sin, how fortunate their lot 

Would be, if straightway after death their sins should be forgot ! 

To meditation, restless natures rarely take, 

Or knowingly the laws of hustling business break. 

Alas! suspicious minds, in judging often err, 

And needlessly; the ill-will of their friends iucur. 

Lo, grasping minds love not whom they assist, 

Or for the cause of righteousness enlist! 

No matter what may be the color of your skin. 

It matters not, so long as you are serving sin. 

When merit triumphs o'er red-tape, how justice cheers, 

And meanness at a distance, sits and basely jeers. 

In time of need, the kindly heart most sweetly beams. 

And with the healing balm of pity nobly teems. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 19 

The pleadings of a praying mother, who can e'er forget, 

However much upon the things of earth, his heart be set? 

Who lives beyoud his means, is woe and misery sowing 

In angry waters, where 'tis rough and dangerous rowing. 

He wisely acts who makes his tongue obe}^ 

And studies w^ell what he desires to say. 

Before enlightenment, how superstition quails; 

Then flees to caves and dens from its too dazzling vales ! 

The worthy poor, no follower of Christ e'er slights, 

But gladly when occasion calls, defends their rights. 

How sweet the innocense of childhood seems — 

So like the rapture of enchanting dreams ! 

When little minds on hoarding are intent, 

How they delight to haggle o'er a cent! 

The mighty works of God, how they inspire 

All true believers' hearts with grandeur's fire! 

Oh ! see to it, that all your thoughts are pure, 

Upright and good, for only such endure! 

So long as minds with noble thoughts are occupied, 

Between themselves and sin is seen a chasm wide. 

The cruel heart of treachery's dead to gentle pity's cry, 

When it appeals to save the victim it has doomed to die. 

Who strives to rob a trusting maid, by promising to wed. 

Of virtue's spotless crown, must be to shame and honor dead. 

Who addeth insult to a load of poverty, 

In justice' sinless courts, men strive in vain to see. 

How sweet it seems to think of those we dearly love, 

W^ho now are dwelling in sweet paradise above ! 

O how the pageantry of show, vain minds delight. 

As eagerly they gaze upon its luring baubles bright! 

However good or grand may be the cause, 

Weigh well the boisterous clapping of applause. 

The works of man must on their merits stand or fall. 

If they would be exhibited in justice' hall. 

How natural 'tis to court the favorites of success. 

And slight the poor mifortunates of dark distress! 

Thro' partial envy's specs, fools view the wise, 

And berate those who far above them rise. 

Tho'sin within a mansion dwells, where gold and splendor beams. 

Still, noble justice in the humblest cot, the happier seems. 

When we for others' interests cease to care. 

We seek but one thing then — our own welfare. 

Grumblers for brains well- balanced do most sadly lack. 

As sluggards do for push, for which they have no knack. 

Be not surprised, if men, when under liquor's influence. 

Should freely sell their votes, for they have lost their common sense. 



20 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How villaius love to go a snaring for the weak, — 

And for their treasure, like a horde of demons seek! 

Good-bye to common sense, to reason and fair play, 

When bigots and fanatics have the right of w^ay ! 

Friendship must mischief-makers quickly flee, 

If it would live in peace with harmony. 

Cherish the noblest thoughts, and with the just desire to dwell, 

x\s only such for righteousness and truth are known to tell. 

By haughty minds, the poor are valued not, 

But like sweet summer's weeds, are soon forgot. 

Life has few charms, when hope no longer cheers 

The heart bowed down by w^ant and gloomy fears. 

Do not despond, but ever on the bright side look, 

Tho' by the w^orld you should be slighted or forsook. 

Avoid back biting, if you value peace; 

And from scandalous conversation cease. 

The mind by truth and justice swayed, no favor shows; 

For in its fertile soil, sweet fair play firmly grows. 

A servile mind, of honor has no part. 

So oft by folly it is made to smart. 

When by the world disowned, for having seen hard fare. 

Remember! there is One who still for you doth care. 

If you are poor, avoid those who above you seem to feel, 

Or you at wisdom's fount, in vain, for happiness may kneel. 

The maid who virtue's value know^s, is not betrayed; 

Nor at proposals base, like simpletons dismayed. 

How oft thro' hardships, haughty souls have to the Savior come, 

Who long because of pride, had been to all His precepts dumb. 

The little things of life can ne'er neglected be. 

By those who crave the blessings of prosperity. 

The heart by honesty and truth inspired, 

Can ne'er with justice' holy cause grow tired. 

To mankind's interests, the mean can never be true friends. 

So long as they desire to gratify their selfish ends. 

Upon his word no sure reliance can be placed. 

Who has, thro' broken promises, been oft disgraced. 

The proud are prone to indiscreetly act. 

They're wanting so, in common sense and tact. 

Upon predictions, ne'er too much reliance place. 

If you would shun sore disappointment and disgrace. 

Who, after marriage, lets his love and care, decline and mould; 

May some fane morning wake and find himself out in the cold. 

Who toward opponents acteth rude. 

Has fair pla3''s honor never wooed. 

How broken promises one's character doth stain ; 

And in the sinless heart of honor cause uncalled-for pain ! 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 21 

O the friendship of books, how sweet ! 

For minds intelligent, lo, what a treat! 

Avoid excitement if your nerves are weak, 

If daily you your now best welfare seek. " 

Of heirlooms old 'tis proper that we should feel proud, 

As noble minds to them in every age have bowed. 

He shows his littleness, who loves to grin, 

And kinship to an atom, or a pin. 

The trusting soul resides with peace and joy, 

Unharmed by cruel doubts, which so annoy. 

A hasty temper, woe and trouble breeds, 

Thro' unbecoming speech and reckless deeds. 

When those we love are dwelling on the heavenly shore, 

Why should we quake and fear, and dread our passage o'er? 

How true ! contending dispositions never please 

The minds of those who love too well to nurse their ease! 

Whoe'er maligns the lich, cannot with justice dwell. 

And why should he, when he would make of earth a hell? 

In life, whate'er one's lot, tho' rough or cursed by debt, 

'Tis better to be calm than to desire to fret. 

But narrow prejudice alone, race hatred would defend. 

Or to its enemies desire a helping hand to lend. 

The generous heart strives hard, sweet kindness' seeds to sow 

Within the breasts of those who have rough rows to hoe. 

To home, how sweet they seem ! — the blooming flowers, 

How they endear! how bless its sweetest hours ! 

Who doth not love the innocence of childhood. 

When tripping gaily thro' the fields and wildwood? 

If poor, then we must never cease to work, — 

To recreate, fools swear would be "to shirk." 

How shrewd are they who love to be discreet 

At home, abroad, or on the crowded street! 

He who doth not good children truU^ love. 

Is hardly fit to dwell in heaven above. 

O how a jaundiced soul delights to criticise 

The works of those who far above its level rise ! 

O, how a crafty woman can deceive. 

And in her nets cause simpletons to grieve ! 

A priceless gift — a mother's pleading prayer, — 

Which frees an erring child from mad despair. 

When baby smiles, what joy it doth impart! 

What love wells up within the mother's heart ! 

Unto a happy home, oh, what like green-eyed jealousy 

So quickly brings unrest, or sooner curbs its liberty? 

Than relatives, who can more slighting be 

Toward those who battle with adversity ? 



22 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Lo! who doth like a mother, love? 

None but the augel host above. 

A guilty coscience stifles peace, 

Granting its victims no release. 

By God, good deeds can ne'er forgotten be, 

Nor kindly words— the words of charity. 

The pride of race, who can eradicate, 

Or from the mind e'er purge so mean a trait? 

Grim Atheist ! who lovest thou ? 

Whoe'er could wish to crown thy brow? 

Fools think the needy have no souls to save, 

That God, to them such precious fruit ne'er gave. 

A winter friend is worth his weight in gold ; 

His name should live— his memory never mould ! 

If we would rise, then we must persevere, 

Or by the wayside fall and disappear. 

To praise one's own good qualities seems vain. 

Immodest, and to prudence giveth pain. 

For wisdom he must lack, when in debate or argument, 

Who foolishly to anger and to passion giveth vent. 

Women less lovable appear, when slaves to pride, 

When they with stiff-necked haughtiness choose to abide. 

The hypocrite, who would betray a trusting heart, 

Ought by the lash of justice to severely smart. 

Better give work than insults to those men who love to toil, 

And flatter less the polished gents, who ne'er their fingers soil. 

How true! no urging do we need, to make us correspond 

With those in whom we take an interest, and are very fond ! 

Away, ye hvpocrite ! who w^ould reform, yet meanly taunt 

The fallen of their wretchedness, ill-luck, and cruel want! 

Till for ouselves, we think, with ignorance we'll surely walk, 

And, at procrastination's door, for wisdom, vainly knock. 

But noble minds, the sons of genius know in time of want, 

When sordid hearts delight to criticise, and meanly taunt. 

Whate'er in any way, retards advancement's noble cause. 

Can ne'er approval gain from wisdom, or sincere applause. 

To strangers lend without security ; 

Then at your door may knock grim misery. 

Ne'er mock the humble efforts of the lowly poor. 

Nor add a tittle to the hardships they endure. 

In childhood sow the seeds, which into noblest manhood bloom,— 

The everlasting fruitage that shall thrive beyond the tomb. 

Who would intimidate the poor, their votes to gain, 

To ascend honor's lofty mount, will strive in vain. 

With cranky minds, ne'er waste your time in useless argument, 

If on advancing in fair wisdom's schools, you are intent. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 23 

When cruel avarice chills the heart, and dams the mind, 

Task-masters then, how they the poor and lowly grind ! 

Could justice reign, then every man and woman would receive 

Their just reward, and fair play would no longer sigh and grieve. 

He who would trifles magnify and oft exaggerate, 

Is rarely known to travel on the highways of the great. 

We safely walk, when we're by wisdom led, 

If we're on truth and understanding fed. 

The truly wise man daily strives to nobler grow, 

To farther dwell from sin and ignorance below. 

The sweet, inspiring thoughts of mother, home, and God, 

How they endear to loving hearts one's native sod ! 

A good man never twits, not e'en his enemies. 

But often in the basest heart some good point sees. 

The cringing soul, that would to meanness bow, 

Caii never wisdom's wreath place on its brow. 

Pride makes a sad mistake, when it would pompous be. 

When it doth strive to show undue authority. 

Oh, modest maid! remember virtue's caus<^ 

And willingly obey its righteous laws. 

Who, like backbiters, can so meanly twit? 

Or to stir dirt, oh, who could be more fit? 

Ay, roguish eyes to heartless evil wed. 

Too many trusting hearts have foole-l and bled, 

Alas ! the more one wants, the less he's satisfied, 

If his poor heart is filled with vanity and pnde. 

The more intolerant, the more inhuman men become. 

No matter where they dwell, tho' temp'rate or tho' slaves to rum. 

He who believes most firmly in a future life. 

For suicide will hesitate to use the knife. 

That he is wanting, 'tis quite plain to see, 

Who loves to air his acts of charity. 

The Christian's glorious hope dispels death's gloomy fears. 

And safely into port the trusting spirit steers. 

Religious bigotry ne'er saved a soul. 

So who could wish its wrangling to condole. 

To justice we are lost,, when we bow down to prejudice. 

For how could it be otherwise, when we act so amiss ? 

To gain our children's love, we must with kindness act. 

And ne'er abusively ; guided by understanding's tact. 

When wrangling o'er religion, bigots think the're always right; 

That they err not, especially if they're not very bright. 

Parents should blush with shame, who put the bcjwl 

Up to their children's lips, that damns the soul. 

The soul imbued with peace, has naught to do with gossipers, 

As it ne'er wanders thro' the haunts inhabited by curs. 



24 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

To man, true friends are rarely given,— 

They seem to be the gift of heaven ! 

From sneering, we cannot too soon refrain, 

Which causes needless, ay, uncalled-for pam. 

Farewell to peace, when jealousy appears,— 

Bad luck to home and all that it endears. 

-My gold ! my gold !" the dying miser cries, 

Thenrwithout hope, he gasps and meanly dies. 

Lo I in how many ways the sinful heart annoys, 

And oft the tranquil peace of sacred home destroys ! 

Religion, rightly understood. 

Is an incentive to do good. 

Suspicious minds, of mole hills mountains make 

And without reason, like a frightened urchui shake. 

Men rarely can, like noble women, sympathize, 

Or to their level in the courts of kindness rise. 

Better to live a calm, secluded life, 

Than to be active in the cause of strife. 

Oh' banish evil thoughts when they arise. 

And struggle hard to emulate the wise. 

Of course a bigot must be right. 

Ay! ay! indeed he must, in his own sight! 

A mother's love, how tender, sweet, and pure ! 

O how it doth the heart of childhood lure ! 

Impulsive natures should with prudence walk. 

And ne'er with haste or rashness deign to talk. 

Whate'er our neighbor's faith or creed may be. 

We can be civil, tho' we disagree. 

Lo' evil deeds like serpents, sting, 

And oft transgressors' bosoms wring. 

Lo' what can blind excesses do, but kill 

Those who are lacking in foresight and will ! 

Voices of children, O how fondly sweet to hear, 

When passing thro' the night of life to death so drear ! 

From golden thoughts, what inspiration flows 

To guide and bless immortal souls, who knows? 

With abstinence, 'tis well to walk, 

And of its blessings freely talk. 

O yes! how much we gain, how little lose, 

When we the toms of history peruse ! 

In mammon, trusts the sordid heart, 

From whom it never cares to part. 

Th- selfish heart but seldom strives to please, 

It is so wont all generous thoughts to freeze. 

Envious hearts, superiors berate, 

Like little minds, the talents of the great. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 25 

Women thro' intuition, often see, 

When men with all their reason disagree. 

Talented minds, 'tis plain, the happiest seem 

When they can't see misfortune's caudles beam. 

Blessed are those who trust that heaven's their future home. 

When done with earth below, and they no longer roam ! 

Alas! fools judge, but how? by what they simply see and hear, — 

Appreciating not the virtues of the heart, so dear ! 

How oft doth sickness prove to man a pricless bride, 

By bringing him to see "the folly of his pride ! 

Lo! monuments of granite, or of brass, must end in dust, 

But the fair record of a noble life can never rust. 

Uneven dispositions, happiness abhors, 

They are so apt to break discretion's prudent laws. 

At home, abroad, or in the busy marts of strife, 

He is no friend to man, who doth not value life. 

The fortune hardest struggled for, and won, 

Men would desire the last to be undone. 

How helpless seemeth pride, when death appears, 

When sorrow mourns and sheds its farewell tears ! 

How empty sounds the laughter of a shallow mind, 

In which the signs of common sense we rarely find ! 

From small beginnings, O, what grand results arise ! 

From acorns small, what oaks, of such prodigious size! 

Fair maid ! of oily tongues and dazzling style, beware ! 

If you would shun infatuation's tempting snare. 

How greedy natures love to court self-interest, 

And pass indiff'rently the cots of the distrest ! 

Sweet purity's paths to honor's hill-sides lead ; 

Where shame is never known to wound, or bleed. 

The soul that doth in Jesus trust 

Feels not the sting of damning lust. 

O, how philosophers do disagree. 

And cling to this or that pet theory ! 

The callous heart to feeling's cry is ever dumb, — 

To mercy's plea, as deaf as one o'ercome by rum. 

In human hearts, however pure or base. 

We can some trusty signs of goodness trace. 

Credulous minds but seldom weigh the evidence, 

So much. they lack for judgment and good-common sense. 

O, how ridiculous doth self-conceit 

Make simpletons appear upon the street ! 

Oh! kindly words of love, and generous deeds, 

How they revive and cheer the heart that bleeds ! 

Whoever madly wooes despondency 

Must drink the bitter dregs of misery. 



26 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Bad habits never come, unless we first begin, 

And then how quickly trouble, woe, and sin. 

In twitting fools may take delight. 

But never those who're just and bright. 

He who becomes a slave to gain, 

With fair play can no longer train. 

Who wisely purchases, considers quality, 

Rather than bulk, when he thro' wisdom's specs would see. 

Who'd rather want, than leave ennobling honesty. 

To fools and knaves, weak simpletons appear to be. 

Just for the want of patience, men are often rude. 

No matter from what standpoint this plain fact be viewed. 

Who would toward those beneath them mean and brutal be 

Reveal cold, callous hearts devoid of charity. 

Ay, ay, nobility of mind, and kindliness of heart 

Are gems from whom e'en angels might have no desire to part. 

Never bow down to those wdio love with wickedness to stroll. 

Nor cater to whatever seems degrading to the soul. 

Whatever elevates mankind, with sincere rapture hail,^ 

And never in its cause acknowledge such a word as "fail." 

Who would not persevere, cannot deserving be, 

More than the man who would not fight for liberty. 

Man is no longer man, when character hath flown, 

Or simpletons have ne'er the seeds of folly sown. 

With life condition's and surroundings have so much to do, 

They can't be overlooked in judging by the just and true. 

A strictly just man never would to meanness kneel, 

But stand up for an honest count, and a fair deal. 

Children who to their parents often cunning falsehoods tell. 

Unless rebuked in time, in life may fail to turn out well. 

To see the young trained up in a false creed 

Oh, how it must the heart of justice bleed ! 

As fools do rarely learn, tho' they a thousand times be told. 

So they deserve sometimes to be left out, ay, in the cold. 

Who changes like a weather cock is unfit for a friend, 

Because thro' breaking promises he doth so oft offend. 

To those who are too changeable do not your secrets tell, 

Or when you least expect, may find yourself in hell. 

Be mum when busybodies 'round you flock. 

Or you in wisdom's chair may never rock. 

Who would unrestful be should skepticism woo, 

Or men and women ne'er to wedlock prove untrue. 

Who would infringe on prudence' laws must dearly pay, 

And from the cheery paths of wisdom widely stray. 

Miserly souls delight to meanly frown 

Upon a fellow-being when he's down. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 27 

He who forgets his promises, who can rely upon, 

Or night and da}^ give in to grief, when he is dead and gone? 

No meaner dispositions can be found, 

Than those who are with avarice' fetters bound. 

When men do good, the cause of righteousness they aid, 

With the sweet thought of having done's the Master bade. 

The pure in heart abhorreth the unclean, 

As justice doth a soul that's small and mean. 

In love's enchanting realm, it seems that opposites unite, 

If from our observations we have drawn conclusions right. 

The company we seek decides upon what plane we dwell, 

"As blood," 'tis said, "in the long run, is sure to tell." 

As base surroundings influence the young, 'tis well 

In neighborhoods refined, to strive to have them dwell. 

Alas! what can, like avarice, the needy poor oppress, 

Or oftetier the laws of justice wickedly transgress? 

It seems as though he ne'er had tasted wisdom's food 

Who o'er his troubles loves to daily brood. 

Thro' stormy nights of revelry, 

Fair reason's star men never see. 

Whoever w^ould his days prolong, 

Must not persist in doing wrong. 

A knave will ne'er upon the street in rags appear, 

So long as he can dress like shovers of the queer. 

Impatience is an enemy to understanding's laws. 

As critics are to sense when they are magnifying flaws. 

For tact, or common sense, you'll seek in vain to find 

In a puffed-up, or an unreasonable mind. 

The good will of an enemy we never can regain, 

vSo long as we abuse, or twit, or needlessly cause pain. 

Lo, none so oft as treacherous hearts, the young betray, 

Ay, none from virtue's paths more surel}^ lead astray ! 

An aimless heart reminds one of a figure-head. 

As it to progress and to enterprize seems dead. 

Whatever the surroundings be, where 'tis our lot to dwell. 

It matters not, — to live with one we do not love, is hell, 

Think as we ma}^, do as we would, we never can entice 

The man of principle, who won't be bought for any price. 

Who wanteth principle, knows what it is to be despised; 

For who could wish that wickedness should by the just be prized ? 

The heart that worships mammon more than God, • 

But seldom to the poor is known to nod. 

When to corruption, character has once been sold. 

It ne'er can be redeemed by influence or gold. 

'Tis natural to respect those who in trade act squarely. 

Who, in their dealings, would their customers treat fairly. 



28 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

When we are prospering, our friends on us delight to call, 

Ay, to salute us on the boulevard and shady mall. 

Somehow, it rarely pays to be too sharp, 

Or, to please spite, o'er petty faults to carp. 

When duty we neglect, on righteousness we tread, 

Like those who seem to be to justice' counsels dead. 

Lo, good resolves, too hastily should ne'er be made, 

Lest they as quickly wane and from the memory fade. 

O, how the friends of those who prosper multiply. 

And with what zeal to please they never cease to try ! 

The kindly heart, to children ne'er would cruel be, 

Nor toward dumb animals ne'er act abusively. 

How can a little mind a great one know. 

Or roses bloom beneath the winter snow? 

Who'd Christlike live, must shun the gates of pride, 

Which ope to folly's chasms dark and wide. 

An impure mind no pleasure finds in virtue's company. 

It loveth so the haunts of vice and foul iniquity. 

Who rides on justice' bark, will never shipwrecked be, 

But float serenely o'er life's danger-studded sea. 

Who in the Cross of Calvary puts his trust, 

Has found the precious gold that never' 11 rust. 

Who doth rely upon a weak-willed mind, 

His share of trouble will most likely find. 

O, blessed be the children who've good influences known, 

In whom the golden seeds of righteousness were freely sown. 

A little mind, when domineered bv greed. 

Is rarely known to do a generous deed. 

In life, none like the kindly heart so loveth to do good, 

Or o'er the sufferings of mankind, desire so oft to brood. 

Who, when he's cornered, never hesitates to lie, 

Than truthful, is more underhanded and more sly. 

Whoever in his neighbors' motives, evil sees, 

With him the atmosphere of justice ne'er agrees. 

With vv'hom they differ men are prone to very distant seem ; 

As they are social with the friend who swears, "Alike we deem!" 

With children small, whoever would their solemn secrets trust, 

Had better far allow them to be covered o'er with dust. 

None but a sinful heart, a solemn pledge would break, 

Or without a just cause, a faithful friend forsake. 

Who firmly bids his child to frown upon the flowing bowl. 

May from an awful shipwreck save his body, mind, and soul. 

Hypocrisy has ever been despised by all 

Who love the truth, who frown on aught that's mean and small. 

Who seeketh wisdom, never'll wed the maid he cannot love, 

Tho' mild and gentle as the petted lamb, tho' pure's a dove. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 29 

The noble mind forgives, when meaner ones would not, 

As records of the past have but too plainly taught. 

Who night and day believes he'll come to poverty, 

Is wrestling with a diseased brain, 'tis plain to see. 

Who borrows trouble has enough to bear^ 

And needlessly more than his proper share. 

Home without order is a most untidy place, 

Where decency would be ashamed to show its face. 

Calling too oft may some day wear good nature out, 

Causing the kindest host, in sheer despair, to pout. 

Teach children to be orderly, lest they should become slack, 

Unless for wisdom you do idiotically lack. 

Foresight and tact consult, if you would make a confident, 

Lest some day, unawares, you have occasion to repent. 

Who lives too fast, and' squanders more than he can earn. 

May, for his foolishness, a hard, hard lesson learn. 

True statesmen ever have their country's good at heart. 

And ne'er for mammon would from principle depart. 

In lit'ratvire, how often trashy works succeed 

In coining gold, when nobler ones have gone to seed ! 

Who loves to injure has an evil heart, 

That ever must from virtue dwell apart. 

But narrow prejudice, race-hatred would befriend. 

Or willingly its worthless advocates defend. 

Just to be popular, men meanly sin. 

The honors of success they so desire to win. 

Natures too sly, two-faced are prone to be, — 

Wanting in candor and sincerity. 

Flirting more often lowers than elevates the mind; 

And why not so, when it's to sense and wisdom blind? 

He who delays, the law of duty slights. 

As rashness does discretion's golden rights. 

What like stupidity so tiring seems, 

To those wlio're thinking not of sleep nor dreams? 

Men quickly say, "Good bye" to wisdom and to sense. 

When they desire to sport with evil-minded gents. 

The cheerful disposition scatters sunshine everywhere, 

Thro' pleasing words and cheery smiles, with grace and tender care. 

Perchance that prudent housewife may her husband's good will keep. 

Who daily strives to make her home attractive, pure and neat. 

Love's liable to wane when we absent ourselves too long 

From those to whom w^e've been betrothed, tho' it be right or wrong. 

None want for knowledge tnore than senseless slaves of self-conceit. 

Who oft remind one of the chaff that's winnowed from the wheat. 

Just for the want of gold, the good may lie in unmarked graves, 

When monuments sublime are reared o'er shameless rogues and knaves. 



30 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The want of faith's drove many a man to suicide, 

Who otherwise would ne'er so foolishly have died. 

Than cruelty, oh, what cau baser seem 

In real life, or in the midnight dream? 

What simpletons among the proud we find, 

Who sadly lack for reason, sense, and mind ! 

Who thro' lif's winding highways, would with folly ride. 

To form, cannot too soou, acquaintanceship with pride. 

On earth, tho' far or near we seek, we'll never find 

A kindly heart, in one who doth the lowly grind. 

Who would not gladly fight for liberty's grand cause, 

Or fail to venerate fair justice' noble laws? 

As pious minds cannot profanity endure. 

So fortune's friends in general care not for the poor. 

Live peacefully, no matter where you roam or dwell, 

That you may never know what 'tis to be in hell. 

How little mercy doth he show who kindness lacks. 

Ay, ay, how he its humane feelings chills and racks! 

The littleness of little minds must nauseate 

The tastes and feelings of the really good and great. 

But little peace and still less sunshine he will see 

Whe submits to the coaxing of iniquity. 

Upon his fellow-men he'll never bring digrace. 

Who labors for the welfare of the human race. 

When in our hearts the cause of honesty begins to wane. 

Where'er we roam or dwell, for peace of mind we'll seek in vain. 

The sordid-hearted shun the haunts where justice loves to stay, 

So they deserve to be forgot when they have passed away. 

Tho' men be rich or poor, it matters not with God, 

Nor with the world, when they are sleeping 'neath the sod. 

'Tis true, no matter what men think, or vainly boast, 

What they have hardest struggled for they value most. 

Deception rarely pays in wedded life, 

So oft it kindles peace-destroying strife. 

Who toward the young desire to kindly act. 

Cannot be wanting in good sense and tact. 

How sweet it seems to make the hearts of children glad, 

How much more noble than to cause them to be sad ! 

God pity babyhood when kindness cometh not, 

To sympathize and cheer, as cold neglect has taught. 

Crosses in life may bring the wayward soul to God, 

As goodness to a child oft cometh thro' the rod. 

Who sacrifices life for selfish greed, 

Would innocence without compunction, bleed. 

O, what like wit and humor drives dull care away. 

Or quicker bids despondency with sunshine stray? 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 31 

Who to the young his choicest secrets would reveal 

Must nf^edlessly unto the shrine of folly kneel. 

None like mean dispositions can upon the poor look down, 

Or at life's poor unfortunates more basely sneer and frown. 

With the blood-thirsty, oh, ne'er deign to talk. 

Or even for one moment wish to walk. 

If mankind read the bible more, and novels less, 

The world might sooner see a reign of righteousness. 

A truthful child its mother's pride must ever be, 

Tho' in a hovel reared, or palace of prosperity. 

Who would corrupt the home, must be to heartless sin a slave. 

Fit only to inhabit dark oblivion's deepest grave. 

How can a sordid heart for righteousness aspire. 

Or in the church of Jesus Christ a seat desire? 

Who would not love, or venerate a noble mother, must 

Have needlessly allowed his nobler qualities to rust. 

None but base hearts a faithful friend would e'er betray. 

Or meanly strive to lead the innocent astray. 

Who breaks his promises, tho' young or old. 

Has naught to do with justice' shining gold. 

Than beastly thoughts, oh, what is more akin to infamy? 

Or what will quicker link the soul to foul iniquity ? 

Who weds a maid whose mind is like a weather vane 

May know some day what 'tis to feel desertion's pain. 

To a fond mother's heart, how sweet's a cunning child 

Whose tender heart by sin, has never been defiled ! 

If not within the bible, O, where shall we find 

The truths which cleanse the soul and elevate the mind? 

O, hail! thrice hail! whatever has a tendency to make 

The heart more pure and noble and more just for goodness' sake! 

O, Word of God ! where like upon thy hallowed pages old 

Can sinners find such peace, or such unfading gold? 

Ay, ay, an angry countenance good sense repels 

Like needless ignorance, the wise, where learning dwells. 

Whoever wears a smile upon his face 

Will find a welcome warm in any place. 

How hard it seems to coax men from the poisonous bowl 

That wrecks the mind and body and degrades the soul. 

O, how inspiring seems a saintly mother's face 

When it doth teem with signs of love and heavenly grace ! 

O, what like sin can wreck man's prospects here. 

Or quicker bring repentance' scalding tear? 

Who would waste time should trashy fiction read, 

Or mothers for their children never plead. 

Alas! fools seldom care to do a generous act 

They want so much for nobleness and worthy tact. 



32 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

What can be more annoying than a saucy, headstrong child, 

Who bolder acts whene'er he has his parents' feelings riled? 

In children, forwardness to rudeness often leads, 

As foolish daring doth to wild, foolhardy deeds. 

To be a tattler means to be unjust, 

Ay, to allow one's sense of right to rust. 

A sad, sad fact ! and yet how true, in early youth, 

The human heart is most inclined to stretch the truth ! 

Revenging hearts ! remember Christ forgave. ^ — 

Giving his life, his enemies to save. 

The cause of Christ, the noblest one must ever be 

For man on earth, in sorrow or prosperity. 

Right living pays, with compound interest too, 

When to the priceless laws of health one's true. 

How beastly lust, the virtuous heart annoys. 

And carnal thoughts its happiness destroys ! 

The heart, when domineered by sin, how cruel it can be ! — 

How soon they make of home, a hell, a haunt of misery! 

Upon hot coals we tread, when we our fellow-men traduce, 

When, for some trifling cause, we would resort to foul abuse. 

The greedy heart knows not the meaning of self-sacrifice. 

As it for others careth not, this boon how can it prize? 

When men by vanit}^ are led, and slaves become to show, 

O, how can wisdom blame them, if no better sense they know? 

On noble thoughts the minds of youth should oft be fed ; 

And to the founts of truth and virtue early led. 

Humble the proud and haughty, and you do them good ; 

Thereby compelling them to act as wise men should. 

For justice, common sense, and worth he sadly lacks. 

Who would his own sins pile on other people's backs. 

To the ill-bred, vulgarity seems wed, 

For they with the uncouth are prone to tread. 

The heart by meanness ruled, to folly is a slave. 

Till it lies down to rest in dark oblivion's grave. 

Quarrelsome dispositions, O, what enemies they gain. 

To cause them many a sleepless night, and many a cruel pain ! 

Short sighted people tell all that they know ; 

And far and wide seeds of hot water sow. 

If we neglect the noblest virtues of the soul and heart, 

Then wonder not when we from wisdom's company shall part. 

Faint hearts accomplish little good in life; 

And less upon the battle-fields of strife. 

Who calls his neighbors unbecoming names, 

Wisdom would say, "Himself more justly shames." 

With stubborn children, parents should be firm, — 

Attacking disobedience, in the germ. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 33 

If self-conceit you'd please, then say, "Yes, yes," to everything, 

It talks about, if you discretion's heart would bleed, or wring. 

With wedded life, true love should everbe its beacon light, 

To guide it o'er the road that leads to faithfulness and right. 

Who o'er his temper has complete control, when arguing. 

Thro' fonl abuse, dishonor on his name will never bring. 

Who weddeth one, who loves him not, bows down to foolishness, 

And reaps in consequence, but trouble, misery, and distress. 

The simplest noble act is registered above, 

Tho' little noticed here, when it is wrought thro' sincere love. 

When from the fireside, those who love to wrangle, roam; 

How quickly joy and peace return to bless sweet hpme ! 

Regenerate the heart and crime would soon decrease, 

And mother earth enjoy the benefits of peace. 

Life is too brief for man to nurse ungodly pride, — 

Between the rich and poor to build a fortress wide. 

Who wrangles o'er religion finds enough to do, 

Enough to make one bitter, bigoted and blue. 

He doeth well who draws no color line, 

Wlio ne'er a document of caste would sign. 

The brotherhood of man, O what a golden theme 

For thought and speech, it doth witli righteousness so teem ! 

The humble poor who strive to "ape the manners of the rich," 

Are not more wise than he who sells for rum his ever}^ stitch. 

Who grins and sneers at common sense, 

Can never scale instruction's fence. 

Oh, cruel man! blot out, "No quarters given!" 

And learn by heart, the tender words of heaven! 

O, scatter sunshine here and there, 

In hovels mean, in mansions fair! 

A caustic critic, nursed with gall. 

Doth rarely on sound judgment call. 

Oh, how unfit is he to rule o'er Christian states. 

When wanting in sound judgment, and in goodly traits! 

When at the helm of state, good men preside, 

Fear not! for righteousness shall be their guide. 

Who thro' red tape, positions gain, for him in no wise fit, 

In wisdom's hall, in a fro.it seat, is never known to sit. 

Who would her virtue g lard, will never cease to modest be. 

Nor long to tread the paths which leal to dark iniquity. 

Honor and righteousness have naught to do 

With those, who ne'er to promises prove true. 

Who treats opponents with respect, believeth in fair play; 

And from the vales of justice, and of truth would never stray. 

Avoid bad company, if you in life desire to rise, 

If you would shun the haunt where recklessness and misery lies 



34 COUPI.KTS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

No good e'er comes from gratifying spite, 

Or meanness loves to roam with truth and right. 

Who meanl}^ harbors envy, spite, or jealousy, 

Must be on friendly terms with base iniquity. 

Works of cheap fiction never elevate the mind. 

Or saints among the crafty you will often find. 

Bless'd is he who can't be bought for any price, 

Who never would the weak or innocent entice. 

Walk not with those who run their neighbors down. 

And ou their actions mean ne'er fail to frown. 

Of resolutions good the less we fail to keep 

The more of tribulation's tares we'll surely reap. 

Alas ! who pleasure courts too faithfully 

May lose the blessings of prosperity. 

Who in bar-rooms prefers his precious time to waste, 

Has many a time the name of decency disgraced. 

Who rudely acts, and then refuses to apologise, 

The laws of justice and of decency must slightly prize. 

Ungenerous natures often sneer at those who love to give. 

With hoarding avarice, they love so well to snugly live. 

How little minds delight to seek for petty flaws. 

And wantonly transgress just nature's noblest laws. 

Who follows in the footsteps of integrity, 

The troubles of a convict's lot may never see. 

Mistakes by rivals made, envious minds do ne'er forgive. 

As they are never known with sense and righteousness to live. 

How soon the world forgets the lover of his gold, 

If his unfeeling heart is miserly and cold. 

Shortsighted people oft their fingers burn 

When in experience' schools they nothing learn. 

Unsympathetic hearts are burdens to the sick. 

Or discontented minds to one thing ever stick. 

A restless mind is like a storm-tossed sea, — 

Ever a stranger to tranquility. 

When death appears, who would a good name leave behind, 

Cannot be wanting in nobility of mind. 

Lo, human nature, we can never know too well, 

Tho' we should centuries live and with the learn'd dwell. 

A priceless boon to childhood is a Christian home. 

From which its loving inmates never long to roam! 

Beware of borrowers who would good nature crowd, 

Tho' they among the lowly dwell, or with the proud. 

Ay, ay, who giveth without foresight may repent, 

When in his pocket-book he finds not e'en a cent. 

Who would not for good-conduct stand 

Must a foul eye-sore prove to any land. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 35 

Ay, ay, the trashy works of fiction, do av^oid, 

If you believe your time might better be employed. 

The selfish heart regardeth not the good of others, 

Or faith ne'er beams within the hearts of Christian brothers. 

At injuring, mean dispositions seem to be adepts. 

Or knaves and simpletons have ne'er descended folly's steps. 

Avoid the company of those who far above you feel, 

Or you at understaudiug's altar soon may cease to kneel. 

Never too hastily insinuate. 

Or often knock for news at scandal's gate. 

Our neighbor's motives 'tis as easy to misjudge. 

As 'tis for some toward, enemies to nurse a grudge. 

However rough and drear our lot in life may be, 

We ne'er should give up hope for mad despondency. 

Who like a busybody can a neighborhood upset. 

Or to foolhardiness become a more befitting pet? 

How often those by mammon richly blest 

Tread on the weak, and anger the distrest ! 

Gossipers are a needless curse to any neighborhood. 

As the}' do naught but mischief breed, — disdaining to do good. 

Correct your own dark thoughts, base hypocrite! before 

You would about your neighbors' failings rave and roar. 

How vain is he who thinks none but his own opinions sound, 

That none so full of wisdom and of truth do so abound ! 

The modest maiden who at first advances soundly raves. 

Her reputation, character, and name with hanor, saves. 

Opinions proven to be false, are but mere worthless seeds, 

As they upon the fields of progress rear unwholesome weeds. 

Fools are quite often taken in by those who love toboast. 

As they soon learn when washed ashore on folly's dangerous coast. 

O, how an unexpected fortune puffs a vain man up, 

When he would turn his back toward those with whom he used to sup ! 

When trials come, the spouse who leaves the partner of her choice, 

To be rid of, he night a day should heartily rejoice. 

A necklace wove with kindly deeds is more to be desired 

Than precious jewels that have been by kings and queens admired. 

Quarrelsome dispositions love to wrangle and to jaw, 

As they ne'er seem so much at home as when with peace they war. 

Dearer than gold or diamonds is a sympathetic heart 

In death's dark hour to those who must from earthly scenes depart. 

When tribulation tries the heart, oh, what like kindness cheers! 

Ay, what like kindness soothes, or quicker calms its doubts and fears ! 

O, wise indeed, that 3-outh must be who tramples in the dust, 

Corrupting thoughts of every kind, which spring from damning lust! 

The world — not Christ most values those who've princelv fortunes won; 

Admiring mammon more than all things else beneath the sun. 



36 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How generous hearts with rapture thrill, in Christmas time, 

When on the window pane is seen the crystal rime ! 

Systems and ceremonies die when bidden to by man, 

But admiration for the name of Jesus never can. 

Refrain from judging, if you're prejudiced, 

Or 3^ou in wisdom's courts may soon be missed. 

When down life's winding stream our barks do gaily glide. 

Ah, then ! how friends applaud and gaze on them with pride ! 

Encourage not the proud, but strive to emulate the meek. 

And mingle not with those who do their own self-glory seek. 

In selfishness and self-conceit what do we find 

To purify the heart, or elevate the mind ? 

Badness in everything, suspicious minds discern. 

As they in wisdom's matchless schools refuse to learn. 

Who never would to the Creator pray 

Cannot thro' justice' vales with reverence stray. 

Who would advance in life, must understanding woo, 

And to the laws of righteousness, ne'er prove untrue. 

How beauty, love, and music charm a nature that's refined, 

As they enchanting and endearing seem to heart and mind ! 

Alas ! on earth I was too selfish to do good, — 

Smiling when I could not, and grumbling when I could. 

Who trusts too much to hope may soon to disappointment bow ; 

And with its melancholy blooms weave garlands round his brow. 

Who doth at envy's altar meekly bow, 

Will ne'er with wisdom's garlands crown his brow. 

We never can too oft for truth and goodness fight, 

So long as we desire to battle for the right. 

Ay, none but treacherous hearts, a friend would e'er betray, 

Or lead the innocent from virtue's haunts away. 

Miserly hearts remind us of a midnight gloom. 

That settles o'er the hill and lingers by the tomb. 

Who never gives becomes a slave to selfishness; 

Ay, one his fellow-men have no desire to bless. 

Who croweth o'er an enemy's ill-luck cannot be wise, 

Nor in the uncorruptiug realm of justice long to rise. 

Better to be forgot and rest in some neglected place 

Thau be remembered 'cause our lives were famous thro' disgrace 

Alas ! who would ill-use the widow and the fatherless 

Might do far worse than to begin to look for righteousness. 

Who would a noble character possess must never cheat. 

Nor thro' pretences false desire his way to beat. 

Prefer a garret to a mansion if you must transgress 

To rise in life, the noble laws of truth and righteousness. 

On earth, from imperfection's stains, man ne'er'U be free, 

Or flowers ne'er bloom in spring, nor birds nest in a tree. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 37 



Worthy indeed, is he who doth appreciate 

The noble words and actions of the truly great. 

He who admireth peace will strive his anger not to fire, 

If he is wise — if he to honored be has a desire. 

Blessed is he to whom the memory of the just is dear, 

Who doth with worthy pride their noble qualities revere! 

O, we should ne'er forget when we too harshly criticise 

That man on earth will ne'er perfection find, however wise. 

Who would be lavish and his greenbacks quickly spend, 

Should not forget that gold on earth is man's best friend. 

As in the love of Christ, where can a weary soul e'er find 

Such tranquil peace and soothing joy, to bless its heart and mind? 

Whoever would to manhood's summit e'er attain 

Must first of all, from all intoxicants abstain. 

In gratifying spite we often sense forget 

When foolish things we do, and afterwards regret. 

O, wed a sunny disposition rather than a. face 

However beautiful, if you would please sound judgment's taste! 

The scheming mind is ne'er with honest}^ allied, 

So ne'er to it your plans or secrets e'er confide. 

"Lo, only to my church good people go!" the bigot saith, — 

The rest of poor mankind must punished be, right after death. 

Who would mislead the young, to shame and honor's dead. 

As they the paths of right have ne'er been known to tread. 

If only in this transient life, the power to live, God gave, 

How sad indeed, 'twould seem to niedita e upon the grave! 

When faith lukewarm becomes, then zeal soon disappears, 

And in its place, a stumbling block indiff'rence rears. 

Who highly prizes relics rare, good judgniant doth reveal, 

To those who friendship venerate, and 'round its altars kneel. 

Who tread upon humanity that they may richer grow. 

May quite unconsciously the seeds of revolution sow. 

Coarse natures do the feelings of the more refined disgust. 

As thievish ones do those who love in honesty to trust. 

Who could desire from memory's hallowed pages to erase 

The outlines of a sainted mother's form, and heavenly face? 

When wealth grows insolent, then tact and justice leave; 

When to please greed, 'twould cause humanity to grieve. 

Ay, with their wealth, the mean, the poor do oft oppress. 

And basely trample on the rights of righteousness. 

Revere we must the sacredness of friendship's golden ties 

So long as we the namss of honor and of justice prize. 

The jealousy of little minds, with folly loves to stray. 

And at superiors to meanly sneer and loudly bray. 

Who boasteth of his wealth is wanting in foresight and tact, 

As many to their sorrow know,— this is a solemn fact. 



38 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Beware of those who run religion down, 

For iu dark days they might upon you frown. 

Who caters to hypocrisy and sickening sham 

Should not complain if righteousness his actions damn. 

The stony-hearted are indeed, but trials on the earth, 

A}^, burdens to society, as to the social hearth. 

From fault-finding refrain, if you have friends you long to keep, 

If you from calm discretion's mount have no desire to leap. 

Whoever seeks to gratify his base desires, 

Never to righteousness a way to find, enquires. 

He fretteth least in life, who doth expect to find 

Trials and crosses here, and worriment of mind. 

With the ungrateful, ne'er the ties of friendship bind. 

If you would trouble shun, or value peace of mind. 

If you would worship gold, remember, followers of sin 

More oft than Christian saints, the larger share are wont to win. 

Who pleasure courts by needlessly inflicting pain 

Must with the fiends of hell delight to dance and train. 

As direful woe and misery often spring from angry words. 

How wise is he who calm discretion 'round his temper girds! 

Preaching is dead, when it is heeded not, 

As woful records of the past have taught. 

Opinions not on fact-foundations firmly based. 

Have oft their advocates chagrined and sore disgraced. 

Lo, how suspicion acts the underhanded part, 

When for no reason it doth send a poisonous dart. 

How evil minds delight to injure those 

They do not love, as wisdom surely knows! 

Despondent minds the blues too often court. 

So they but seldom enter wisdom's port. 

Hold fast your faith in God, when troubles fiercely frown, 

Lest to the shades of death, despair shall drag you down. 

What like ignoble deeds, can so besmear the soul of man. 

Or with more force and zeal corruption's poisonous breezes fan? 

Who lives dishonestly is dead to shame. 

To honor, truth, and a deserving name. 

Who lags behind may soon bow down to poverty, 

And keenly feel the cruel pangs of miser3^ 

Seek not for sense and worth in those who madly worship pride, 

Tho' in a mansion or cot it be their lot to 'bide. 

The mean among the rich the needy poor despise. 

Or worth to meanness stoops, and men of worth ne'er rise. 

Do not be personal if you would wisdom woo. 

If you to justice, worth and honor would prove true. 

The pride of wealth doth not with sense or reason roam, 

Nor in the vale of righteousness e'er find a home. 

Who pens the truth will ne'er by jnstice be despised, 

Or misers are beloved, and cowards highly prized. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 39 

Who loves too well to dogmatise is quite unfit 

In kindness' or in fair play's courts to stand, or sit. 

Who worries o'er imaginary ills, what doth he gain, — 

No matter where he dwells, —but misery, fretfulness and pain? 

To mind one's own affairs in life means to be just and wise, 

Which they will strictly do who long in justice' courts to rise. 

Who to contention seems to be allied. 

Must from sweet peace and joy desire to hide. 

From a cross husband, or a scolding wife 

Who would not separate to flee from strife. 

Smartness, when it's allied to meanness who would ever prize. 

Who longs within the ranks of truth and righteousness to rise ? 

Who longs to see his nan\e upon life's most deserving page, 

Will ne'er the weak oppress nor in ungodly schemes engage. 

Who would unto the miserly appeal in time of need 

Is like a tottering man who leais against a slender reed. 

How blest is he whose friends can be relied upon. 

Whom e'en the thought of faithlessness would quickly scorn! 

On earth, O what a mighty power for doing good is love, 

When it is permeated with the grace of God above ! 

Who easily believes wild rumors and unproved reports 

Is rarely seen to plead in calm discretion's higher courts. 

In life what factors are so powerful as love and gold 

To make life's paths more sunny, or more cold? 

Only mean souls would on sweet friendship e'er impose, 

Or rain on it such cruel and distardly blows. 

As human nature here can never to perfection rise. 

Who daily gossips 'bout its weaknesses cannot be wise. 

Those who have never loved have only seen one side of life; 

Remaining strangers to the husband kind, and loving wife. 

To twit one of misfortune's woes, no wise man ever would, 

So long as he unto his fellow-men wished to do good. 

Who gives begrudgingly cannot a Christian be. 

Nor e'er the glorious lieights of honor hope to see. 

Who winketh with her eye, or brazenly would talk. 

Is never known through justice' cherished courts to walk. 

Alas ! who spends his money foolishly 

May soon bow down to want and misery. 

O, how the golden truths of life inspire 

The soul of him who longs to mount up higher! 

How soon one's pile of sins becomes a mountain high, 

Si wise is he who swears: "To flee from sin, I'll try." 

O, music's soothing strains, who do not love to ht ar. 

When sorrow weighs them down, and life seems lone and drear ! 

How sal it seems that criminals should be allowed to wed. 

So long as they remain to righteousness and honor dead ! 



40 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The man or woman, who at home delights to jaw or jar, 

Can never dwell from gentle peace and happiness toofar. 

People who smoothly talk and sweetly smile in public, may 

At home like demons act, and far from peace and justice stray. 

How liquor numbs the tender feelings of the heart, 

Causing the crimes which make the friends of justice start! 

How often thoughtless maidens think much more of dress, 

Than of the peace and joy which springs from righteousness! 

He loveth honor, who opponents fairly quotes, 

Who o'er their trials and misfortunes never gloats. 

To please their vain desire for jewelry and dress. 

How maidens fair have widely strayed from righteousness! 

Than men, lo, women are more moral and upright. 

More trustful, prayerful, and more humble in God's sight. 

The debt he owes to wise invention, man could ne'er repay, 

Tho' for a million ages he o'er earth should daily stray. 

No nation can be prosperous when domineered by sin. 

When base injustice' friends, its offices are sure to win. 

How a contending woman doth the peace of home desturb; 

Ay, to sweet jr>y and happiness, oh, what a bitter herb! 

Worthy are they who strive to leave some noble work behind. 

Wrought for the benefit and elevation of mankind. 

For gain, what pwful crimes a cruel heart commits, 

And for a nobler cause, its sins how rarely quits ! 

Lo, cold, ungrateful hearts, past favors soon forget. 

As thev, alas ! too often do, a pledge or debt. 

Give men a chance before you swear they want no work, 

Before you deem them indolent, and prone to shirk. 

Oar aspirations must be either high or low. 

As daily we, in evil or in goodness grow. 

Who spends for pleasure, money due to settle honest debts. 

Upon his love of honor and of right slight value sets. 

Where'er we dwell, the more exclusive we become, 

Who can deny, that we're to justice' precepts dumb? 

What like adversity, so humbles senseless pride. 

Or quicker bids it cease the lowly to deride? 

Learn to be punctual or ne'er in business start, 

If you desire to shine in enterprise's mart. 

Whoe'er in life is prone to lag behind. 

Can ne'er success's gold expect to find. 

'Tis well to wisely ponder, ere the pledge we sign, 

Lest we forget, and with temptation go to dine. 

Who would aspire in life, must seek good company, 

And shun the paths which lead to foul iniquity. 

Tyrants of heartless greed, the poor may justly taunt. 

As they have thousands of the lowly caused to want. 

Whose consciences are more besmeared with slime, 

Than those who labor in behalf of crime? 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 41 



To any neighborhood, vile mischief makers are a cnrse, 

Who love too well in water hot their neighbors to immerse. 

Insolent pride would try the patience of" a saint, 

And on fair wisdom's walls unseemly pictures paint. 

Lo, stubborn minds on reason seldotn call 

Or at the feet of fair play long to fall. 

In gay societ}-, for wisdom we shall seek in vain; — 

Where strangers to discretion love to dissipate and train. 

Better to live a single life on earth 

Than wed to quarrel round home's sacred hearth. 

Toward children strive to kindly act and you will nobler feel, 

And never at the shrine of cruelty desire to kneel. 

Another's bread and butter, never strive to take away, 

So long as firmly 3'ou believe in justice and fair play. 

Alas! let him who can, respect those in authority 

When they toward justice and toward honor act abusively! 

Who truthfully can say, "I came of a good family," 

Should daily strive to nobly live, and thankful ever be. 

Who legislate to benefit the favored few 

Cannot — of course— to justice equal laws prove true. 

A noble ancestry, for worth and righteousness, must tell, 

So wise are they, whose minds upon its records, love to dwell. 

Who can his temper govern well should thankful be 

As he in life less trouble will most likely see. 

Who would abolish order, law, and government, 

On bringing in an age of chaos seems intent. 

He who despises law is not a model citizen, 

Or one who labors for the welfare of his fellow-men. 

An unjust law ought never to have seen 

The light of -lay, — it never should have been. 

The rights of life and property respect, uphold, defend, 

If you the welfare of your fellow-men wish to befriend. 

Be wise, and ne'er another's property destroy. 

Nor with the arch-fiend dynamite e'er long to toy. 

So long as you desire to live in good society 

Upon the side of law and order you will surely be. 

We ne'er can wrong our fellow-men while justice we obey, 

Nor in deception's cruel snares attempt to lead astray. 

Where love and peace abide, there we indeed, find home, 

From whose endearing haunts we never long to roam. 

Be saving, but refrain from acting miserly, 

Unless, alas ! you've tired of honor's company. 

The slaves of vanity with wisdom rarely walk, 

Or to the friends of wisdom long to wisely talk. 

E'en simpletons the foolish acts of pride discern. 

And nof infrequently its senseless offers spurn. 



42 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Who would not trusty warnings heed, must pay the penalty, 

And at the shrine of folly weep and plead on bended knee. 

On flippant tongues, who would implicitly rely, 

Cannot to wise discretion's courts dwell very nigh. 

Prolonged anxiety and worriment of mind, avoid, 

Or you may soon by ill-health be distressingly annoyed. 

Who dearly loves to get, but ne'er to give, 

Cannot with honor, worth, or justice live. 

What like a sunny disposition doth so please. 

Or what with happiness so cheerfully agrees ! 

Lo, none but cruel hearts, the fallen would oppress, 

Or long, a}^ to increase their misery and distress! 

Ah, yes! from those who treat you mean and shabbily, 

Have naught to do, or you may lots of trouble see. 

As well attempt to teach geometry to bees, 

As to suppose that we can everybody please. 

A gentleman will from abuse refrain 

When even enemies do cause him pain. 

How weak-willed minds by stronger ones are often lead, 

"As children over-credulous are apt to be," 'tis said ! 

Angels indeed, peace-makers seem to be, 

They love so well to dwell in harmony. 

Who would impose upon the simple must be mean,— 

Whose godless actions none but villains base would screen. 

How suddenly life's changes come 

To blast our souls and damn like poisonous rum ! 

The rich and poor. Death views alike. 

Driving impartially his spike. 

A well-bred life brings joy and peace to hoary age; 

An ill-spent one, the woe that would inflame a sage. 

Better a mite, and even that be foul. 

Than to have much and never cease to growl. 

What can he do, who doth base envy court? 

His ship must drift at last into what port? 

How soon man's record would decrease, 

If men their intercourse with sin, would cease ! 

The placid knight, whose temper slowly rises, 

With no uncertain signs, his foe surprises. 

Dishonesty! what mischief has thou wrought, — 

How many of thy slaves the grave have sought ! 

How much men gain when they contentment woo, 

When to its charming precepts they prove true ! 

Malicious hearts the innocent attack, 

For truth and justice they so often lack. 

Who oft to fretfulness gives in, 'tis sad to say. 

The' rich or poor, but seldom comes in wisdom's way. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 43 



Who nobly labor for the elevation of mankind, 

Discouragement, harsh treatment and neglect, too often find. 

The child who would the warnings of a faithful mother spurn. 

May soon in folly's reckless school, a hard — hard lesson learn. 

As it is easy to misjudge, so we should careful be. 

If from base accusation's sins we would thro' life be free. 

On learning's priceless pages seek for understanding's gold. 

For hallowed truths which never die; or on life's altar mould. 

Who forms bad habits, must for foresight sadly lack, 

Or they would ne'er be seen on folly's down-hill track. 

Bad habits and low company, will drag the strongest down; 

So those who would be good, at them must never cease to frown. 

O, diligently labor, if you would life's prizes win, 

If you to honor's cherished courts desire to enter in. 

Penurious minds, with nobleness are never known to dwell, 

So oft to satisfy their greed, their consciences they sell. 

When duty calls, the conscientious man, at once obeys. 

Regardless of the sting of censure, or of flattery's praise. 

Those who have not, but would their lips with liquor fouly stain, 

Should then remember that it has its countless thousands slain. 

All goodly acts, however small, do not forget to prize, 

But year by year more closely bind sweet kindness' hallowed ties. 

Tho' sunny hopes deceive, and cherished plans and efforts fail. 

Still, those who love good health, their ills will never long bewail. 

Who would be just or wise, must shun the gates which ope to pride. 

If they with sense and understanding would some day reside. 

The young should early ask, "What kind of knowledge shall we seek?" 

If they desire some day to gaze from wisdom's loftiest peak. 

Who would excite a brother's anger, or provoke to wrath, 

With thoughtless wickedness is traveling on life's down-hill path. 

Not those who make, but those who heed resolves, would wisdom crown, 

Tho' they be merchant princes, or mere beggars in a town. 

How sweet it seems to linger by the graves where loved ones sleep. 

And meditate, and gently, memory's tenderest tear drops weep ! 

Miserly souls, with prondness. live down on the carnal plane. 

From goodness far removed, where it to dwell would never deign. 

When men begin to cheat they are no longer smart, but mean, 

When 'neath the cloak of darkness they their sins desire to screen. 

As in some soils the hardiest seeds are known to come to naught, 

So godless hearts, that love to sin, good deeds have rarely wrought. 

O, how the noble deeds of patriots do the bosom thrill, 

And with grand thoughts the minds of those who love theircountry fill ! 

No gentleman to ladies e'er would make proposals base, 

In whom the signs of worth and goodness one might plainly tra?e. 

Respect your neighbors* lawful rights, and with them squarely deal; 

And never at the shrine of selfishness desire to kneel. 



44 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Who thinks the rich are all alike, most sadly errs; 

And justly understanding's censure oft incurs. 

He who some daily need must sacrifice to give, 

Doth in the neighborhood of love and mercy live. 

Nobility of soul and not the well-filled purse 

Mankind in justice' founts would thorougly immerse. 

Work zealously in life, and never slack and shiftless grow, 

Or you the seeds of discontent and failure'll surely sow. 

Never be fascinated with a handsome face 

In which you fail the signs of modesty to trace. 

When building character do not forget integrity. 

If vou the trophies of success would some day like to see. 

The proud among the rich with Christ do not often stray, 

Nor in the grove, where nobleness resides, too often play. 

In wedded life, less trouble you will see 

So long as you from wrangling would be free. 

Be not too talkative, or burdensome you may become 

To those who love to hear the w^heels of business daily hum. 

Who take an interest in the welfare of the human race 

Will never patronize aught that may injure or debase. 

Remember, character — not riches makes a man, 

No matter what his lot in life, there's naught else can. 

Pride that originates in wealth, with justice never strays, 

As it doth seek in vain te crown its brow with reason's bays. 

In shoddy aristocracy, lo, who could hope to find 

Sincerity of heart, or worth and nobleness of mind ? 

Who to the rich bow down, to flatter and deceive, 

Alas ! may some day in a cheerless prison grieve. 

Only the mean, among the rich, the poor oppress, 

They love so well to break the laws of righteousness. 

Broadminded people ne'er with narrowness would stray: 

Nor, for one moment, list to what it had to say. 

Wherever man and women dwell, we often hear them say, 

"The miserly among the rich, with Jesus seldom stray." 

In pride, whoever sought for intellect and worth 

Who prize the name of mother, God, and native hearth? 

Thro' indecision, oh, what opportunities are lost 

By those who have on life's rough ocean been so madly tossed ! 

Who pacifieth anger with a kindly word, 

May in the counsels of the wise some day be heard. 

Fence men accomplish naught in life, tho' rich they be, 

Because they deal so seldom with consistency. 

Who yearneth after truth and righteousness 

Will not forget his fellow-men to bless. 

Frown on whate'er is base, in any walk in life, 

And ne'er, no matter where, or when, the lowly knife. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 45 

Who would abuse the aged must with meauuess dw^ell, 

And often know what 'tis to feel the pangs of hell. 

Ay, every w^here, the mean among the rich do slight the poor, 

And oh, why not, when they their presence scarcely can endure? 

Should you, your heart to Jesus Christ, to give, e'er deign, 

B\' doing so, what joy and happiness you'd gain! 

Never look back when you a worthy step have taken, 

Lest your ennobling resohitions may be shaken. 

The vicious love low company, and vulgar talk, 

So if we would be good, we ne'er with them should walk. 

Oh, never to the fallen harshly speak, 

Nor meanly treat the helpless and the weak! 

O, maiden fair ! weigh well the pledges of an oily tongue. 

Forgetting not that it has many a human bosom wrung ! 

Who to his help insultingly would speak. 

Cannot too quickly sense and justice seek. 

In noble minds we seek in vain for pride of wealth, 

And in presumptuous ones for proper care of health. 

In getting on in life, how oft the friends of cheek succeed 

Wliere modest worth would starve, or suffer from relentless need ! 

None but the mean, among the rich, run down the poor, 

Or strive b}- gold and diamonds rare the young to lure. 

Alas ! how soon a haughty mind annoys humility, 

As it with common sense and wisdom rarely can agree! 

O, how insipid seem the thoughts of those who want for sense, 

They love so well to dwell this side of understanding's fence ! 

Alas! how oft among the proud, stupidity is found, 

That would an ape, or simpleton, bewilder and astound! 

Who nat' rally is wont to look ahead 

But rarely lies on folly's cheerless bed. 

How praiseworthy is he who would instruction gain. 

Who longs the heights of understanding to attain ! 

Who caters to exclusiveuess reveals a narrow mind, 

In which the signs of nobleness and sense we rarel}' find. 

Lo, wise indeed, are they who seek the proper food for thought; 

As in all ages, wisdom's truest friends have nobly taught. 

Oh, how incipid seem the thoughts of a vain, shallow mind, 

To those who oft on understanding's luxuries have dined. 

Have naught to do with wedlock if you love too well too fight, 

Or often your poor partner'U long to have you out of sight. 

Be not too sensitive, or you may suffer much in life, 

And oft be introduced to wretchedness and bitter strife. 

Ay, ay, in general, women are more virtuous than men, 

Tho' reared in cots, or in the mansions. of the upper-ten. 

He who reveres a sainted mother, never will betray 

A trusting maid, nor lead from haunts of purity away. 



46 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

He prizes time, who would condense whate'er he has to say, 

Who ne'er would help to place a stone in noble progress' way. 

Lo, e'en the great may have their share of self-conceit and pride. 

Especially when righteousness with them cannot abide! 

Whoever labors freely for the welfare of mankind 

May many a blow receive, and still have happiness of mind. 

Who freely gives his time that he rascality may air. 

Of justice' golden praise must deserves no ordinary share. 

Who worries oft, no friend to peace, or health is found to be, 

But a fit subject for despair and mad despondency. 

The most incapable are often those who love to rule, 

Who e'en their ABC's have never learned in wisdom's school. 

O, flee despondency, if you would not endanger life, 

Or you may prematurely seal its fate with folly's knife- 

The conscientious man is never known to shirk, 

Tho' in or out of sight it be his lot to work. 

Lo, nobleness of mind is incompatible with pride, 

As it prefers, and ever will, with justice to abide. 

Be kind to children, and examples wise and noble set. 

Examples that for goodness tell, which they should ne'er forget. 

In seeking knowledge, see that it's of the right kind, 

If your main object is to elevate the mind. 

Beware of prejudice, if you revere integrity, 

If you with honor, justice, and fair play would e'er agree. 

Miserly souls in doing good no pleasure ever find, 

As selfishness with cords of greed, their hearts so tightly bind. 

Avoid the paths which lead to narrowness, and godless pride, 

If you with justice, honor and broadmindedness would 'bide. 

The mighty bulwarks of dear liberty, oh, ne'er assail 

Unless to freedom you prefer the dungeon and the jail. 

Who talk the most are often known to give the least. 

Or fools for wisdom cry, and gluttons never feast. 

In minds which love to vainly boast, good sense is rarely found, 

Ay, rarely as in simpletons, a brain entirely sound. 

Lo, none but noble minds base injuries forgive. 

Or on life's highest plane delight to daily live. 

True greatness never's known to smile upon the proud, 

It is with sterling sense so gen'rously endowed. 

Never discourage those whose aims in life are just, 

Who walk uprightly and in God, their Maker, trust. 

In those who would their neighbors injure and disgrace. 

The lines of common sense how hard it seems to trace ! 

Beware of those who loudly boast of deeds of charity. 

As they but rarely give, and then their names in print to see. 

How few the truth delight to hear when it strikes home; 

How many then quite suddenly desire to roam ! 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. '^'^ 

Antipathy with sense but rarely can agree, 

Because it is a stranger to consistency. 

Who oveth not the kindly heart, --als a consc.^^^^^^^^ 

In which the lines of justice we can never hope to trace. 

Wh™d ratLr starve than from his neighbors meanly steal, 

Bv iustice' sacred altar oft is seen to kneel. 

Whoever seeks for pleasure in strong dri^,,k, will seek ,n vam; 

Ts he will find but Lgradation, woe, and bUter pa,n. 

From thoughtless minds, lo, quickly good advice may flee, 

A^ZodseSse doth from those who court iniquity 

A» good sense uoi. , , inclined— when far from home, 

;r„f. '»o,c;iv>"S:it' .;w ..»i. '•"» io»« » "-^ 



48 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Bless'd are they who treasure heirlooms with delight, 

Who never say, "I long to see them out of sight!" 

What is he but a vandal ! who would priceless relics burn, 

Who ne'er from fond remembrance' pages cares to learn! 

An envious mind with happiness but rarely stra3^s, 

At rivals and superiors so oft it brays. 

Quarrelsome dispositions would turn wedlock into hell, 

They love to wrangle so, and in commotion's haunts to dwell. 

Alas! envious minds know not the blessedness of giving; 

W^th littleness and selfishness they are so fond of living. 

Teach children to revere their native land, 

And for its name and honor bravely stand. 

The credulous, how treacherous hearts delight to give awa3^ 

And without sign or warning lead the innocent astray ! 

Never look down on those who do life's humble stations fill, 

Nor needless burdens pile on them who climb misfortune's hill. 

Upon 3^our face, O, let the sunbeams often play, 

And in the fields of cheerfulness delight to stray. 

Than women, men more often ugly deeds commit, 

And in the chairs of rudenes are more wont to sit. 

Upon the mean look down, and busybodies wnsely shun, 

Or by such godless beings you may some day be undone. 

Be slow to twit your neighbors of their failings, or their faults, 

Or your frail bark may some day sail where reckless folly halts. 

Strictly observe the golden rule, no matter where you be; 

And on life's journey to the tomb, less trouble you will see. 

However wise and good, or noble you may be. 

The world will frown, when from you flees prosperity. 

Shun dissipation, and your health and honor save. 

Or you, alas ! may rest in an untimely grave. 

O, patriotism's seeds within the breast of childhood sow. 

That it the value of one's native land may early know! 

A noble mind, of worldly wealth, is never vain or proud; 

With understanding and with justice 'tis so well endowed. 

So long as we love justice and beside its altars kneel 

We'll stop and hesitate before we stoop to meanly steal. 

So long as character we higlil}^ prize 

By methods base we'll never long to rise. 

How true ! none but the mean are meddlesome in life. 

As none so like it mischief make, or foment strife. 

Mind your owm business if you would not he despised. 

Or thro' your meanness you may oft be advertised. 

If you are meddlesome, then hang your head for shame, 

For having deigned to bring disgrace upon your name. 

If you have faith in God, then pray that it may never wane; 

And that the sin of unbelief your soul may never stain. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 49 

So long as healthy wit and hunior are refiner! 

They never prove to be degrading to the mind. 

AiJ^ainst a fellow-being, none bnt evil minds conspire 

To merely gratify an envious wish, or base desire. 

Right well may truth and understanding frown 

On those who strive to keep the masses down! 

Life's choicest gold is character, who can den}', 

Who for perfection here doth never cease to tr}'? 

Alas ! the greedy lieart i■^ wont to frown on charity; 

Upon the selfish side of life it loves so well to be ! 

Who daily passes thro' the gates of selfishness, 

BLit rarely strives his fellow-men to cheer, or bless. 

Guard well the young, and nations will have less to fear, 

But more t ) justly love, to praise, respect, revere. 

How wont are narrow minds to cling to bigotry. 

And only in their own opinions soundness see! 

Never correct in an unkindly way 

So long as you with wisdom long to stray. 

An over-bearin';j^ mind a pop'lar one can never be, 

Becans2 from haughtiness and meanness it is rarely free. 

Ay, only unjust minds, respect for persons show, 

For worth and righteousness do not, as they well know. 

Ay. often what one fancys most, another hates. 

And ver}' foolishly condemns and underrates. 

Never be meddlesome, no matter where, or wdien, 

If you flesire the good will of your fellow-men. 

Better by far be dull and honest, than to be too smart, 

As worth is more to be desired than a corrupted heart. 

Remember, shallow minds can criticise 

When you a brother's works would under prize. 

O, what like fiery anger can engender strife. 

Or quicker quarrels breed that end in loss of life! 

How much is meant, ay, in a trifling joke, 

By those who love to use it for a cloak. 

Who flat'ier with their lips may woe and mischief breed, 

And perpetrate full many a foul and treacherous deed. 

Remember little minds with littleness delight to stray. 

And with the simple-minded while their liesure time away. 

Who flitters fortune's sons, and meanly treats the poor, 

Tho champions of righteousness would never hire. 

Oft he will feel shatne's col 1 unfeeling darts 

Who giveth secrets to unrighteous hearts. 

How hard it seems to teach a sel '-conceited mind, 

Or in a treacherous lieart, sweet goodness seeds to find ! 

As well attempt to stem a torrent with a wooden-grate, 

As to believe that S;^nse into a fool can penetrate. 



50 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Be kind to animals, and from abuse refrain, 

Unless 3'ou love to cause unnecessary pain. 

Hear! hear ! oh, never wed if you're inclined to cruel be, 

Or in the place of home 3^our spouse may find a hell of misery. 

Who plainly can the laws of common sense discern 

Will never think that he can be too old to learn. 

Ignore the masses, and bow down, ay, to the favored few. — 

Alas ! who would do so, cannot to righteousness prove true. 

Ay, ay, when you are well assured that right is on your side, 

Then come to a decision firm, and like a rock abide. 

Oh, cease to hate, if you with peace desire to daily dwell, 

If your best efforts you desire for justice' cause to tell. 

He who his temper ne'er controls, aught not to wed, 

Unless he longs to lie on misery's springless bed. 

The actions of a cruel heart, how they appall the just, 

Ay, ay, how they the followers of righteousness disgust ! 

Who would commit a foul, or a distardly deed 

Cannot too soon the laws of sense and justice heed. 

Alas ! they do indeed partake of hell 

Who with mean people are obliged to dwell. 

He wants for tact who would too hastily grow rich. 

Or drunkards ne'er are known to fall into a ditch. 

The fool no danger sees ahead, so thoughtlessly moves on. 

Till when too late the undenying truth begins to dawn. 

Who would o'er novel schemes to sanguine be 

From disappointment must be rarely free. 

Than men, women are more refined, and more upright, 

'Tis plain to see, vv^hen prejudice is not in sight. 

Who putteth too much confidence in dazzling schemes 

May wake to find his loses far more real than dreams. 

As well attempt in craftiness, sincerity to find. 

As to believe that common sense dwells in an envious mind. 

He who believes in wise advancement's cause, a faithful friend 

Will ever be to learning,- with a helping hand to lend. 

Oh, how the mean, when they the simple-minded do espy, 

Love to impose upon and grin, and to them basely lie. 

Who would disparage learning must in ignorance delight, 

Preferring to the golden day, the sombreness of night. 

Who loveth cheerfulness, will rarely on the dark side look, 

But calmly strive life's dreaded ills more patiently to brook. 

Flee from deceit, and shun the gates of craftiness, 

If you desire some day your fellow-men to bless. 

Children who choose the Savior for their daily guide, do well. 

For thay in sin's degrading haunts will never long to dwell. 

Who seeketh evil company may dearly pay. 

As hearts when domineered by sin, can wound and slay. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 51 

The paths of honor never lead to prison gates, 

Or good behavior springs from unbecoming traits. 

What nobleness of mind must he possess 

Who kindness' favored laws would not transgress ! 

Who careth not with whom he would associate 

May meet quite suddenly with an untimely fate. 

Do not indnlge too oft if you your children's welfare seek, 

If you desire some day in wisdom's courts to hear them speak. 

Warnings the wise are wont to head, 

E'en tho' they do sometimes mislead. 

People who do too oft at dissipation's altar kneel, 

The piercing arrows of remorse must often keenly feel. 

In seasons of distress, of bitter want, and cruel woe, 

How then the kindly heart the seeds of mercy loves to sow! 

Tho' rich or poor, tho' famous, or tho' little known one's name, 

Who would neglect the aged must be dead to worth and shame. 

Unscrup'lous minds when domineered by heartless greed, 

The simple and the ignorant delight to bleed. 

W^ho builds air castles, bitter tears may shed. 

When his delusive hopes from sight have fled. 

Who can respect a man who rarely keeps his word, 

Who often justice' righteous censure has incurred? 

In hating, jealous minds can never be excelled, 

Nor from the godless schools of folly be expelled. 

High living shun, if you on earth long life desire. 

If on life's noblest plane, to live, you would aspire. 

Produce, or cease to boast, when you have naught to blow about, 

Or your sincerity your neighbors will begin to doubt. 

Who would from understanding's stores be often fed 

Will false religion shun, and ne'er its pathways tread. 

False teachers in religion love the ignorant to fool. 

As they the aptest scholars make in superstition's school. 

To man strong drink has been, and ever'll be a curse. 

So oft it robs him of his manhood and his purse. 

W^ho ignorance prefers to learning, must a burden seem, 

To those who oft of education's prizes fondly dream. 

Oh, stop and ponder, when a fellow-man you would abuse, 

Or you the friendship of the just and good may sometime lose. 

O, study zealously, and yet, health's laws do not forget. 

Lest when too late your want of tact and foresight you regret. 

Refrain from injuring, or you will ne'er be seen 

In justice' courts, where naught doth dwell that's base or mean. 

Unjust officials do at once remove. 

If their short-comings you can plainly prove. 

With sin ne'er parley, if from folly you would stand aloof, 

If you would wisely listen to the warnings of reproof. 



52 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Better to justly live than wrangle o'er belief, 'tis plain, 

If we the heights of justice and of honor long to gain. 

It never pays to grumble when we do what must be done, 

More than it does to fail to tinish what we have begun. 

Control your baser passions, and your temper never lose; 

And you will have much less to do with folly and the blues. 

To those who suffer, or to those who long to be consoled, 

Sometimes a little sympathy is worth its weight in gold. 

Who loves to falsely swear, reveals a disposition mean. 

That no amount of wealth or power could ever hope to screen. 

If we unjustly live, no matter what we may believe ; 

Tho' rich or poor, life's choicest blessings we cannot receive. 

No matter where, from doing meanly acts refrain. 

If you have no desire your character to stain. 

Who weds a wrangler, or a scold, for peace will seek iu vain, 

No matter where he dwells, a hell indeed, he'll surely gain. 

Religious persecution ne'er with fair play deigns to walk, 

Nor with the friends of justice, or of truth is seen to talk. 

Who insults maidenhood, for principle and honor lacks, 

And needlessly, by folly's aid, tlie heart of justice racks. 

Malicious hearts delight to injure those they do not love. 

As their base thoughts but rarely soar the carnal plane above. 

Whate'er betides, in Christ, oh, never cease to trust. 

Nor wish your faith in Him to moulder nor to rust. 

Ay, ay, iu all religions, goodness in some form is found. 

Even in those w^here superstition doth much more abound ! 

Stern natures rarely to the bidding of kind feeling, yield 

The sceptre of authority, they love so well to wield. 

Who falsely poses as a subject for sweet charity 

Would never feel at home in justice' worthy company. 

Remember, noble minds of talents rare are never proud, 

However richly they by nature may have been endowed. 

They wisest seem who ne'er to sorrow madly yield, 

Who never leave in time of grief, discretion's field. 

Trouble he never wants, if he a judgment poor possesses, 

When creditors and sore mistakes, his very life oppresses. 

Remember the advice that only parents give. 

And, as they prayed you would, oh, strive to daily live! 

With discontentedness, petulant natures rightly dwell. 

So often by their fretting they turn home into a hell. 

Lo, with unscrup'lous minds, no secrets e'er confide. 

Nor with the friends of craftiness long to abide. 

Refrain from speaking harshly to inferiors, if you 

Respect fair play, and would to justice' noble cause prove true. 

Hear! hear! to no man dictate what he must believe. 

Nor simple minds mislead, or purposely deceive! 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 53 

'Tis plain, the doctrines of all creeds cannot be right, 

So why, oh. bigot! dost thou love so well to fight? 

Lo, wholly bad he cannot be, who can for others feel, 

Who loves to bless and cheer, and take an interest m their weal. 

Than women, men more often cruel deeds commit, 

And in the haunts of meanness are more wont to sit. 

Maidens who never wed may do more good in life. 

And why not so, if they escape domestic strife ? 

Who would the patriot's deeds commemorate 

Is worthy of the homage of the great. 

So long as we with truth and honor rightly walk, 

We can afford to let our envious neighbors talk. 

The pride of blood and ancestry cannot be justified. 

When it would o'er its humble neighbors insolently ride. 

Alas ! who looks on everything from the standpoint of gain 

Will never wisdom from the wells of understanding dram. 

Who can feel well, and constantly the laws of health defy. 

Or who in business wins success who doth but feebly try? 

In running down our neighbors, oh, what do we gain 

But sore chagrin, and much unnecessary pain ! 

O, shun dishonesty, or you may some day steal. 

And justly, the full weight of public censure feel ! 

Who weddeth one who loves too well the flowing bowl 

May find enough to ruin one's hopes and damn one's soul. 

He who insults a man, because of color, or of race, 

Ought ne'er in good society to show his brazen face. 

Christ never spake a word in favor of niggardliness. 

And how could He, if His grand mission was mankind to bless? 

He lacketh foresight who obeys hypocrisy, 

Who joins the church to cover up his deviltry. 

Bow not too low to those who have unjustly won renown. 

But rather on their meanly acts, with indignation frown. 

A parson, or a priest, who soweth bigotry. 

We'll seek in vain to find in wisdom's company. 

If vou, your mind would narrow, then with bigotry reside. 

And thro' the winding lanes of littleness pompously stride. 

Who like the envious, the failings of the great so air. 

Or who more oft condemn those who most sumptuously fare. 

lo-norant minds the most offensive gossips surely make ; 

And saucy scandal's uninviting fields most cleanly rake. 

Designing minds when domineered by sin 

Delight to take the thoughtless stranger m. 

Avoid evtravagance, or mourn when 'tis too late, 

When poverty and want are knocking at the gate. 

Who loves to be extravagant, ne'er dreams of rainy days. 

But thoughtlessly with careless waste and luring folly strays. 



54 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The less we wrangle over creeds the happier we shall be, 

For truth and understanding who e'er found in bigotry? 

How edifying, seems to be the conversation of the just 

Who in the teachings of the "Book of books" do firmly trust ! 

Who before duty would, unblushingly, self-interest place. 

Ought ne'er in justice' sinless courts to dare to show his face. 

Over-indulgence shun, if you would children rightly rear, 

Allowing love, when possible, to take the place of fear. 

In the mad rush for gold. oh. ne'er forget humanity, 

If by 3'our fellow-men you never would detested be. 

Never look down upon a fellow-man because 

For learning he may lack, nor transgress reason's laws. 

When other peoples' failings you're about to air, 

Do not forget your own, if you believe in what is fair. 

Mean people never like to see their honest neighbors live. 

Nor their short-comings and mistakes in life deign to forgive. 

Of noble qualities, he who possesses a large share, 

Will in his dealings with his fellow-men be strictly fair. 

Who squanders money recklessly wants for foresight and tact. 

Or he 'tis plain, so foolishly would never wish to act. 

Alas! who lives for self ne'er longs his fellow-men to bless, 

Nor to become acquainted with the friends of righteousness. 

Who wants for push and enterprise, for industry and grit. 

In the front row, in wisdom's court, is never seen to sit. 

If we in life do failure dread, then we must not 

Procrastinate, as failures of the past have taught. 

Who wants for push, may in a wee half-bushel live and die. 

And e'en allow regret, above his grave, to heave a sigh. 

Oh, pity the short-sightedness of those w^ho idly live. 

If you their folly and their weaknesses cannot forgive. 

Base villains oft fine clothing don to 'lure the young, 

F^'or they the heart of innocence have often wrung. 

From rashness flee, or you in business Hie may ne'er succeed, 

And cautious prudence' faithful warnings never fail to heed. 

At persecution's shrine, oh, ne'er be seen to kneel, 

Nor from the well-to-do, desire to meanly steal. 

Avoid fast living if you value health and character, 

If you would not the ill-will of your fellow-men incur. 

Simply because a child begins to cry, spare not the rod 

If you desire to have it tread the paths which lead to God. 

Condemn no brother 'cause he differs with you in belief, 

Nor thoughtlessly cause children to bow down to pain and grief. 

Beware of those in business life, who sweet as hone)^ talk, 

Or you may find yourself some day in trouble's dock, 

Cease to misrepresent, or enemies may multiply. 

Till peace hath fled, and hopelessly you groan, "I want to die." 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^^ 

Whate'er we do in life, let's do it well, 

Tho' in a palace or a cot we dwell. 

O, when doth envy love to see its gifted neighbors rise, 

Or long to act hospitably to those of its own size? 

When men too arrogant become from wisdom they depart, 

Or simpletons its golden precepts love to learn by heart. 

O foul Conspirator! to-day in some unfeeling net ,. , ^ . 

Thou mayst thyself be caught, which thou for innocence did set ! 

In the dark dav of dire defeat be not cast down, 

Nor in the pool of mad despair desire to drown. 

Cease to be arrogant for wisdom's sake, 

If you -would friends well worth the having make. 

O, what like noble influences tell 

In neighborhoods where forward children dwell ! 

If you would prosperous be, do not too oft on pleasure call. 

Nor at the feet of blind extravagance e'er deign to fall. 

Undue authority ne'er show whilst fair play you revere. 

Ay, ay, so long as justice' noble cause to you seems dear. 

For wisdom never seek in those who're slaves to self-conceit, 

Who in the halls of haughtiness are found m a front seat. 

In those who love to sin you'd better no reliance place, 

If you would not be introduced to folly and disgrace. 

No matter when, or where, be careful what you say, 

Or thro' the swamps of trouble you may often stray. 

The cruel-hearted care but little for humanity. 

Or torture and abuse they'd never choose for company. 

A^ttentive be, if vou vour lessons thoroughly would learn, 

If you, their inmost meanings would remember, and discern. 

Your whole attention you must give to company. 

If you have no desire to act unmannerly. 

O dili^entlv work, if you success would one day win. 

And ea'rlv shun the paths which lead to shiftlessness and sm. 

Never the tasks of duty dodge, if you in life would rise. 

So long as honor, truth and righteousness you dearly prize. 

Lo, kindlv words, how often they do cheer the hearts of those 

Who oft have been made targets for the world's unfeeling blows!. 

Strive to restrain bright children when they study to excess. 

When they the rules of prudence and consistency transgress. 

Alas ' how many founder in the mire of selfishness 

Who might have strove their fellow-men to honor -and to bless! 

In shoddv aristocrasy whoe'er did wisdom find ; — 

Much less good understanding or pure nobleness of mmd? 

An unforgiving heart is ne'er a kindly one, 

Or fools for knowledge cry, and wags ne'er crack a pun. 

O study well the character of one you long to wed. 

Or you may later lie upon misfortune's cheerless bed. 



56 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The more men reason, ay, the more confused they grow, 

Ay, ay, when they would more than their Creator know. 

The justice-loving mind will ne'er accept a bribe, 

Nor willing!}' for sin become a faithful scribe. 

Domestic discord like a rapid current wears, 

And adds to life's sore burdens many ills and cares. 

Who some day longs to dwell among the wise, 

Will ne'er allow himself to gormandize. 

He who lives up to what he daily preaches 

Hath heeded not in vain what wisdom teaches. 

Ay, ay, when dealing with the mean, be wise for prudence' sake, 

Or to the chilling fact that you've been fleeced you may awake. 

A pious soul when it communes with Christ, what joy it finds, 

What happiness, so pleasing to regenerated minds! 

Give every man a trial, and with lynching cease to fool ; 

And ne'er to reckless haste, (^r bitter hate become a tool. 

How little tact he shows, who has a stubborn will. 

Who when he has been squarely floored, must argue still. 

Attentive minds must wisdom gain, 

Or fools ne'er suffer needless pain. 

How loving smiles the wounded heart revives, 

Like soul-inspiring words, down-trodden lives! 

What can be more provoking than disdainful pride. 

Which never did, nor can in justice' haunts reside? 

Ay, ay, when from our downy beds at early dawn we rise, 

Oh, may we ne'er the worth of cheerfulness forget to prize ! 

Who would be wise, must oft in wisdom's haunts be seen, 

Where golden truths of life, the friends of knowledge glean. 

O, doubting Mind ! God pity thee. 

From whom sweet peace and comfort flee ! 

When fired by genius, then good lit'rature 

Must to the end of restless time endure. 

Who oft the contents of a liquor flask would taste. 

Might precious time and many a hard-earned dollar waste. 

True womanhood toward gossiping would never lean, 

Nor basely follow in the footsteps of the mean. 

Tho' black or white the skin, it matters not; 

'Tis character that counts, as saws have taught. 

How oft do golden hopes deceive. 

Causing the trusting heart to grieve ! 

O, study nature, or be duped by art, 

If you would rightly read the human heart ! 

He who his opportunities improves 

With tact and enterprise most likely moves. 

He who in business life is oft behind. 

May soon have none to occupy his mind. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 57 



Alas! a selfish nature, who could ever satisfy, 

However hard they strove to please, tho' night and day they'd try? 

When gazing thro' base envy's specs, the noblest works seem tame, 

As it is dead to fair play, justice, honor and to shame. 

The more we vainly theorize without the aid of facts, 

The more we cause the world to think our brains have many cracks. 

In school hours study, if the plums of knowledge you would reap, 

If to the upper rounds of education you would creep. 

We cannot be true friends to health, whilst w^e late hours do keep, 

So long as we with dissipation love to drink and sleep. 

Among the ignorant, stupidity seems most at home. 

Or pinks in snow-banksbloom, and fools with learning love to roam. 

Who Cometh from good stock, should rather thankful be, than proud, 

Since the grandees of earth must like the beggar don a shroud. 

Repeating matters seldom pays, such mischief it doth cause. 

Breaking without compunction truth's and wisdom's golden laws. 

In selfishness, niggardly souls too often fall asleep, 

So, when from earth they've passed, who could o'er them desire to weep? 

How learning puffs a vain man up is known the wide world o'er, — 

W^hose self-conceit makes e'en a wise man smile, and wags to roar. 

To learning, men are not indebted for their gifts, as they 

From boundless nature spring, like smiling flowers along the way. 

Who wilfully misrepresents, must to dishonor bow, 

And base deception's tarnished crown, place on his shameless brow. 

Who loves sweet home, will never fail to stand by love and peace, 

And night and day for their welfare to labor, never cease. 

Happy, indeed, are they who ne'er with skepticism roam. 

Who, when life's race is run, believe in heaven they'll find a home. 

O, vain and worthless Show ! how^ shallow minds bow^ down to thee. 

When they the sunny haunts of reason, sense, and wisdom flee! 

We tempt the young, when in their charge, huge sums of gold we leave. 

Making it possible to do what years might not retrieve. 

In patriots brave and true, a nation finds its firmest pillars; 

Its staunchest friends, and its loved soil, its most contented tillers. 

Lose not your faith in God, however rough life's storms may beat, 

Nor to the gloomy caverns of despair long to retreat. 

Who squanders gold, for judgment and foresight must lack, 'tis plain, 

And while persisting, must for wisdom's guidance seek in vain. 

Among the miserly seek not for nobleness of mind, 

For how could one expect, where meanness dwells,- this boon to find? 

Teach children to be saving, lest they wasteful should become, 

Lest they to prudence' timely warnings might some day be dumb. 

Bad habits you will never form, if wisdom you obey, 

If from alluring folly's haunts you wander far away. 

Wise he is not, who spends his time, in running down the rich,— 

On envy's unbecoming garments he loves so to stitch. 



58 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

No sincere friends are they who know you not in trying days, 

Who for the rich and prosperous reserve their smiles and praise. 

Do not forget good breeding, ay, if well you would appear, 

If manners rude and unbecomingness you justly fear. 

In dealing with your fellow-men, oh, never sacrifice 

Your honor for mere gold, if you in life would rise. 

Better be always poor, than to grow rich dishonestly, 

And with the views of honor, truth and justice e'er agree. 

Who strive to nobly live, and humbly worship God, 

Are rarely known their fellow-beings to defraud. 

Be not so foolish as to think that gold will make you wise, 

Noble, upright, and good, so long as righteousness you prize. 

Alas! what can be said of those who talk, but never give. 

Who only for their selfish selves have any wish to live ? 

The surest converts from the ranks of rum 

Are those who to the Savior gladly come. 

Who loves the truth would never willingly deceive. 

Nor cause thro' craftiness the innocent to grieve. 

Alike, judge men and women when they bow to sin, 

If you the good-will of fair play desire to win. 

Prove your suspicions, or from justice you may widel}- stray. 

And from the haunts of righteousness dwell far away. 

In vain you'll seek for peace, if you a scolding wife possess, 

Tho' you a sinner be, or a fond son of righteousness. 

Dishonesty abhor, and everything that drags you down ; 

Ay, everything that bids you wear dishonor's shabby gown. 

Women, more oft than men, for others' woes are prone to feel. 

And at the hallowed shrine of kindness do more often kneel. 

Politeness we cannot forget, and still respected be 

By those who love refinement, or by good society. 

Avoid bad company, if out of trouble you would keep. 

If you the fruit of honor and of justice long to reap. 

Avoid vulgarity of speech, if you would seemly act. 

If you would show that "you possess some principle and tact. 

When we are prospering, the world our friendship loves to gain. 

As well's it does to slight us when misfortune gives us pain. 

None grin so oft as those who want for character ; 

Nor none the lowly poor so often meanl}^ slur. 

Who far above their neighbors feel are on good terms with pride 

As they are never known with sense and wisdom to reside. 

Beware of slighting, if well thought of you would like to be ; 

And never insult those who often with you disagree. 

Pray for the day, when signs of cruel war'll be seen no more, 

But everywhere the emblems of sweet peace — mankind adore. 

On kindly acts and noble deeds, oft bid your mind to dwell ; 

As they for honor, truth and justice never fail to tell. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 59 



Between the rich and poor, a massive wall's been laid, 

O'er which no mortal e'er can pass, except when bade. 

In zealous slaves to pride we rarely find 

Kindness of heart, or nobleness of mind. 

How true ! none but the mean, the world's unfortunates oppress, 

Or bring on them such cruel hardships and such sore distress! 

If you love peace, then with the mean you'll ne'er associate. 

While you in wisdom's estimation, will be up-to-date. 

Lo, noble minds among the rich, do ne'er the poor oppress; 

As they for justice and fair pla}', too much respect possess. 

Only in self-defence can you a brother slay. 

And still within the ranks of Christ be 'lowed to stay. 

Ay, ay, if you would have your fellow-beings wish you well. 

Then ne'er allow your mind, on selfishness, too long to dwell. 

Who gayest seems, may be the first to grieve, 

Ay, first fond pleasure's banquet halls to leave ! 

In public or in priv^ate life. 

It never pays to foment strife. 

Better by far be humble, than to be called vain and proud, 

Tho' you be very poorly or the' brilliantly endowed. 

Changeable minds, like weather cocks, do turn, 

As they to be consistent never learn. 

Who would not goodness rather choose than haughty pride, 

W^hich opes to sin and foolishness its gateways wide. 

Who artfully distorts the truth for worldly gain 

Cannot with justice dwell, or roam o'er honor's plain. 

Who bleeds a kindly heart, thro' false pretences base. 

Soon brings upon his name, dishonor and disgrace.. 

Whoe'er forsakes a faithful spouse, to folly meanly yields, 

And in a shame-faced manner, high the pick of meanness wields. 

In arguing, how rarely he convinces, who 

Is surcharged with conceit and bombast, thro' and through. 

Lo, none but vain and shallow minds, whom only fools admire, 

Would slight their former friends when they are dressed in plain attire. 

How wise are they, who in exciting times, are calm and cool; 

Who in the days of youth, was prudence taught, in wisdom's school. 

How sweet it seems to feel there's One who still for us doth care 

When by the world we've been forsook, because we've seen rough fare! 

Some never like to see their neighbors live, but who are they, 

But meanness' dirty slaves, who e'en their dearest friends betray. 

If justice reigned, then the dowm-trodden w^ould their rights obtain, 

And on the weak, the powerful to tread would never deign. 

How oft the worldly spirit damns, when Christ's would mercy show, 

As every student in the schools of life must plainly know! 

Ah, yes! of earthly names, oh, what one sounds as sweet as "mother?" 

Dwell where we may, roam where we will, where can we find another? 



60 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Who falls into a crafty woman's net 

Will ne'er the day, while life remains, forget. 

None but the miserly begrudge the food the needy eat. 

Nor none more heartily the champions of meanness greet. 

With those who rarely do their vows and pledges keep, 

No friendships form, or yon may woe and desolation reap. 

If you would be well spoken of when you have passed away. 

Then with the followers of sin have no desire to stray. 

Of human beings, oh, how few escape the common lot 

Of the majority, who after death are soon forgot! 

Because his skin is black, or white, a fellow-man ne'er slight. 

If you desire in life to stand upnn the side of right. 

Ay, strictly just men never will a penny wrongly gain. 

But from dishonesty, in all its varied forms abstain. 

Look with contempt on those who solemn secrets give away, 

Lest they your confidence should gain, in order to betray. 

Ay, with the mean to form new friendships you will ne'er desire, 

So long as you, in good society to shine, aspire. 

He who possesses wealth, a great advantage has, indeed. 

O'er those who daily toil, and those who know what 'tis to need. 

The wise among the rich are never known to put on airs, 

Nor, for the young and virtuous, to set alluring snares. 

In business ne'er your fellow-men delight to rob or cheat, 

Nor thro' pretences false, your way desire to beat. 

Advantages should not be overlooked in life, if you 

Sincerely long to rightly judge the rich or well-to-do. 

Never encroach upon the rightful domains of another. 

So long as you revere the noble names of God and mother. 

Never abuse the fatherless, nor needy widows meanly grind, 

So long as you love mercy and true nobleness of mind. 

Speak kindly, if you would your neighbors' good will keep, 

And folly's seeds ne'er sow, or you may misery reap. 

The generous deeds of noble minds, how they inspire 

The hearts of those whom love and kindness most admire! 

People who notice every little trifling thing 

See more of gloomy winter than of cheerful spring. 

Mean natures dearly love to sin, and on their neighbors prey; 

Such strangers they are known to be to justice and fair play. 

Do right, and conscience never'll cause you loss of sleep, 

Nor bid you in the mire of sin to wallow deep. 

Like envy's slaves, who can the works of others underrate, 

Or so indecently malign the records of the great? 

How dispositions mean, delight to wound with envy's sling. 

And at the innocent and good their dirty insults fling! 

To those who treat you shabbily, be careful what you say. 

And from their haunts and habitations strive to keep away. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^^ 

Examine your owu heart, if you would criticise 
Your neighbor's; if in justice' counsels you would rise 
Bestow no favors, if you must on truth and justice tread, 
Or vou some day, in folly's camp, may make your bed 

Remember, those who cheerfully obey th^^^^f.^/'^^J.^iil 
Would not their fellow-bemgs rob, oppress, betray, nor kill. 
Remember if you choose to sin, what a sad wreck you may 
Become ere from the mortal scenes of earth you'ye passed away. 
Lose not your senses, when you madly rush for gold, 
Or later you may suffer miseries untold. 
Against glib strangers, O, be on yovir guard, 
Or you may have to learn a lesson hard. 

Quarrelsome people shuu, il you dou't ^vjf,!''^;'^ ''Ji''^"' 
And never to the meddlesome, your bosom secrets tell. 
Women who 'low their minds to dwell on drink and lust 
Must have allowed their sense of decency to rust. 
Be careful who you trust, if you about tl>|"\l'"'%''°'"'> 
ff you the seeds of recklessness have no desire to sow. 

^:ro.-i^syoryi:uf.trk!fn^r^poi^rjf^^^ 
?f— i't,rra.i^s-^i^rda\i=^^^^^^ 

]? trn\ru-.s-of^;'.^s^^^^^ 
re^r^SonrorAis^^^^^^^^ 

XTi!ibcty;r;Lt^^^ 

Avoid a pompous mien, if popular you'd like to be, 

And study oft the etiquette of sweet humility. 

Who would with meanness dwell, to i"Sf<^e must be dead. 

And in the fields of craft and cunning love to tread. 

Ths mean amon"' the poor with justice rarely roam, 

5r wkhThe7r°eSds of'^ighteousiess seem most at home. 

g^r-rbj^u^rgthe— .7-°'^"^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

?f%="cfu:^ris y--esT<lm,':r^So'm" precepts pH.e. 



62 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Alas! suspicious minds the innocent do oft abuse. 

So wont are they to meanly hint and wrongfully accuse ! 

Upon the sunny plains of right, you'll never find 

A human being, who delights the weak to grind. 

O, never cease to spurn whatever drags a brother down. 

And on the wiles of wickedness do not forget to frown ! 

Lo, proud and selfish hearts for goodness nirely toil, 

Or sluggards oft are known, by work, their hands to soil. 

Of mind and heart, of each ennobling trait. 

Oh, train the young to love and venerate! 

If you would useful knowledge gain, then ne'er to gossips go, 

Unless within your heart you long the seeds of sin to sow. 

Lo, in opinions, men in general rarely do agree, 

So fail, he often must who strives for peace and harmony. 

When you begin to scandalize, then from conversing, cease. 

If you with neighbors, long to dwell in harmony and peace. 

From injuring your fellow-men, oh, do refrain, 

And never cater to the notions of the vain ! 

Lo, in all churches you can worthy people find, 

Who love kindness of heart and nobleness of mind. 

Ne'er seem above your friends, because you may more gifted be, 

So long as justice you revere, or love civility. 

Of those who prejudiced against you do become. 

Be on your guard, or you may find, of woe, a princely sum. 

Who love to pick upon their neighbors, show their w^ant of wit, 

As they in consequence, in wisdom's courts, may never sit. 

None but the mean delight to laugh, at some one else' expense, 

Ay, only those who want for tact, and common sense. 

Low minds feel most at home in sinful company. 

As nobler ones do in more chaste society. 

For nobleness they lack, who pick on the unfortunate. 

And all their humble efforts criticise and underrate. 

Your neighbors you will never tempt to sin, in any way, 

So long as you with truth and righteousness delight to stray. 

If you would wisely act, from personal abuse refrain, 

And ne'er cause man or beast to feel unnecessary pain. 

In those who are too fond of show, seek not for breadth of mind, 

For if you do, in place of it, much shallowness you'll find. 

How oft good looks do mighty factors prove to be 

In battling with the evils of iniquity. 

What would we gain should we a faithful friend forsake. 

If o'er the coals we should attempt his faults to rake? 

To hesitate to go to war, all Christion nations should. 

So long as they believe in peace, and love, and doing good. 

O, never boast of what you know, if you 

To wisdom's golden precepts would be true! 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 63 



Oh, night and day refrain from using words which keenly sting, 

But rather to your fellow-men the smiles of kindness bring 

If you to greatness rise, by little minds you'll envied be. 

Ay, and the folly of their foolish actions often see. 

On the Creator and his works, O, often meditate, 

And strive to profit by the actions of the truly great. 

Who orderly would be, must value time. 

And by so doing save full many a dime. 

Be careful what you crave, if health and long life you desire. 

And never needlessly put fuel on base passion's fire. 

The laws of nature ne'er abuse, if you with health would dwell. 

If of your own best interests 3'Ou ever would wish well. 

Never upon the world's unfortunates impose, ^ 

Nor with the weak, or the defenceless come to blows. 

Search for the truth, and you'll less superstitious be, 

Or those who come to want, no hardships ever see. 

O, never let your interest wane in virtue's cause, 

Nor long to slight or violate its precious laws. 

The knowledge gleaned beside a saintly mother's knee. 

By those who worth revere, can ne'er forgotten be. 

Of acting meanly, be ashamed, and strive with right to dwell ; 

Or how can you expect to have your neighbors wish you well? 

Do not abuse the aged, nor the helpless scold. 

Simply because they lack for property and gold. 

Eternal riches seek, if you in Christ believe. 

If you desire life's noblest blessings to receive. 

O'er what cannot be helped, oh, never stop to cry. 

Nor into other peoples' private matters pry. 

Life's ills and burdens bear with fortitude. 

And never on your neighbors' rights intrude. 

If you would be disliked, and often talked about. 

Then surly seem, and often snarl and pout. 

How they can slight, who have thro' wedlock rose in life, 

Their former lowly friends, and meanly slur and knife! 

When you in life are struggling, ne'er your neighbors' rights forget, 

If to injustice you have no desire to run in debt. 

What awful consequences spring from pledges unfulfilled ! 

What shocking crimes which have too oft the human bosom thrilled ! 

Good neighbors and true friends, self-righteous people never make, 

Or diamonds never sparkle, nor robin redbreasts mate. 

Vain conversation you had better shun, if you some day 

In knowledge' courts would shine, or oft with learning love to stray. 

Ay, grateful hearts, for blessings never cease to thankful be. 

Nor old friends meanly slight, when they misfortune's quagmires see, 

As those who have been sinners vile, have princely fortunes made, 

So all who worship wealth alone, must soon their souls degrade. 



64 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Alas! he must be ignorant, indeed, who would 

Run education down, or slur the truly good. 

Who yield to bold extravagance, the seeds of want soon sow, 

Finding in life at last, a very stony row to hoe. 

Oppression you will shun so long as justice you revere, 

Ay, long as mercy and integrity to you seem dear. 

O'er trying tasks we must perform, we should not hesitate. 

If we in justice' estimation would be up-to-date. 

Who would not love and reverence noble ancestry 

Must want for honor, justice and nobility. 

With children never be too strict, if you their love would gain, 

Nor twit them of their weaknesses, nor cause them needless pain. 

He must be mean who would upon the helpless prey, 

Or lie in wait the innocent to lead astray. 

Just to please pride, how often fools from wisdom stray, 

And from the haunts of prudence wander far away ! 

No friendships form with those who love to domineer. 

Or you may some day shed repentance' scalding tear. 

Who strives to benefit mankind in any vvay. 

Cannot from justice' vales be wandering far away. 

Greatness of mind, whoever found in godless pride. 

Or beds of roses in a chasm dark and wide? 

Who would reclaim the fallen must possess a friendly heart. 

Of which compassion and forgiveness form no trifling part 

Boast not of wealth — why act so simple and so vain, — 

If you possess foresight and a well-balanced brain. 

Ay, ay, ne'er fail to know what kind of books your children read. 

Or you some day with them for virtue's cause, may vainly plead. 

Listen ! of your own works you ne'er should vainly boast, 

So long as wisdom you desire to be your host. 

L/O, sinners rarely love those who the truth reveal. 

Who at its golden altars oft are seen to kneel. 

Alas ! the more we hate, the more despicable we seem. 

When seeds of prejudice within our hearts do thickly team. 

Whate'er A^our gifts, lo, proud of them you ne'er should be, 

So long as you desire to sail on wisdom's sea. 

Who can act wisely, and at kindness basely sneer. 

E'en tho' his Maker he should night and day revere? 

He who possesses nobleness of mind, tho' rich or poor, 

From wisdom's sunny paths, ungodly pride can ne'er allnre. 

Youth, when too confident, may dearly pay. 

And far from sense and wisdom blindly stray. 

Over impossibilities, your time, oh, never waste. 

So long as you the luscious cream of wisdom love to taste. 

O, fearlessly investigate when you corruption find, 

If you believe in a pure heart, and a truth-loving mind. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 65 

Kindness has ever been to the oppressed, a friend, indeed, 

As it hath nobly proved, to those in trouble and in need. 

Do not be careless with your gold, or you may soon repine. 

And some day, ere you think, from off a scanty table dine. 

Shun insults, and you'll never lose a friend for doing so; 

Nor any less of good behavior and of wisdom know. 

He who begrudges what another eats. 

Is never known to sit in justice' seats. 

All hail to those who never would dishonest dollars earn, 

Who every form of crookedness indignantly would spurn. 

Long's there is hope the brave are never known to yield, 

Nor like the chicken-hearted flee from conflict's field. 

Whoever honor gained, by bowing down to sin. 

Or justice' golden trophies ever hoped to win? 

Who long to fool their time away, should seek the company 

Of gossipers who ne'er with sense or wisdom can agree. 

You must be humble if you would in wisdom's courts abide; 

And early shun the paths which lead to vanity and T)i-ide. 

The things we long to gain, the more we prize. 

The more we suffer, strive, and sacrifice. 

Into your neighbors' private business never pry, 

Nor to entrap the innocent in wait e'er lie. 

Of hasty speech, beware, ay, as the just and wise, 

Or you the blessings of sweet peace may never prize. 

Who wants for foresight must his share of trouble see, 

And wander thro' the deserts of adversity. 

Alas ! who spends his money foolishly. 

Must soon bow down to want and misery ! 

Shun imposition and disdain to bow to sin. 

If you fair justice' noblest prizes long to win. 

Near two-faced people never choose a dwelling-place. 

Nor in their company e'er long to show your face. 

Of those who have deceived you oft, beware. 

Or some day you may fall into a snare. 

Deal justly if you would with worth and honor dwell ; 

And never to dishonesty your good name sell. 

Who loves too well to desecrate the Sabbath day, 

Cannot be walking in the straight and narrow way. 

Who listen to instruction, may themselves much trouble save, 

When those, alas! for want of it, have found an early grave. 

Avoid bad company, and trifle not with wrath; 

But daily strive to tread the straight and narrow path. 

Obey the laws of health, and wisdom you will please. 

Or birds are never known to sing, nor ponds to freeze. 

Of what is really grand and noble, they but little know 

Who gaily live to please the witless fancy of vain show. 



66 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Remember kindly hearts dumb beasts humanely treat, 

And ne'er with cruelty would occupy a seat. 

Better with shabby poverty reside, and night and day 

With dreaded hunger walk, than with dishonesty to stray. 

Never encroach upon the rightful domains of the weak, 

Nor, without provocation, to the helpless harshly speak. 

By gay temptations quickly pass, aud evil comrades shun, 

If by the followers of sin, you ne'er would be undone. 

Strive to be well-informed, if knowledge you revere, 

And never at the dullest scholar deign to sneer. 

He who doth pander to his appetites and lusts, 

The pure and stainless mind of decency disgusts. 

Who loves to magnify the failings of another, must 

Wise understanding chill, and righteousness disgust. 

Pass by the gates of gluttony, or to physicians fly; 

If you love health, then to be temperate, oh, daily try. 

Prove your suspicions, or with silence learn to walk, 

And with traducers never deign to idly talk. 

When in an angry mood, too often men like demons act, 

Forgetting reason, wisdom, justice, honor, and wise tact. 

Can he be wise who breaks the priceless laws of health, 

Who night and day delights to scramble after wealth? 

When in the company of envy's friends, beware, 

Mind what you say, if you esteem your own welfare. 

Refrain from boasting if you would with prudence dwell, 

And never to an unknown stranger secrets tell. 

How damnable they seem, who love to fleece their fellow-men. 

Whose soul-debasing deeds the friends of justice dread to pen! 

In minds in which book learning and conceit, predominate. 

We seek in vain for reason, or the wisdom of the great. 

Seek not for honesty of purpose in a greedy heart. 

Or noble virtues long to pierce, with sin's merciless dart. 

Stop and consider, when you would be venturesome, 

If you to wisdom's golden counsels are not dumb. 

Seek not for greatness in a narrow and conceited mind, 

Or disappointment and chagrin, some day you'll surely find. 

Alas! who for dumb animals, no feeling manifests, 

Is never counted one of justice' or of mercy's guests. 

When erring parents teach their children to do wrong, 'tis then 

They lose the love of noble women and of righteous men. 

Teach children to revere the mighty works of God, 

And in the fields of righteousness train them to plod. 

Oh ! never, just for fun, make light of the unfortunate, 

So long as justice you revere, or evil hate. 

Treat children kindly, if you would their good will gain, 

If you have no desire to see their friendship wan6. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 67 

Who would uprightly live, must ever watchful be, 

And shun the paths which lead to base iniquity. 

To good and faithful parents, children ne'er can be too kind, 

As friends so tried, so just, and true on earth they'll never find. 

To health, too steady application proves to be a foe; 

As those conversant with its golden laws must plainly know. 

Who celebrate heroic deeds, must inspiration gain, 

To teach them how to live far — far above the carnal plane. 

As you would poison, shun the very thought of crime, 

And with the workers of iniquity ne'er spend 3^our time. 

Who winks at sin, and with the wicked loves to stray. 

For nobleness of mind is never known to pray. 

How often prejudice to self-conceit is wed; 

And simpletons thro' foil}- 's haunts are known to tread ! 

Evil companions we must shun, if we in life would rise, 

If we would modest worth and nobleness sincerely prize. 

Ay, ay, court honor, and with justice strive to dwell, 

And never fail to wish your fellow-beings well ! 

With spiteful people have as little as you can to do, 

If you to righteousness and honor would be ever true. 

A spiteful disposition knows just how to meanly act. 

It's been so long acquainted with deceit and cunning tact. 

Of others' woes, and others' pains, do not forget to think. 

And feel for those who are about, in trouble's sea to sink. 

Cease from imposing, if you do a worthy name desire, 

Ay, if you would with justice' noble thoughts your mind inspire. 

Lo, crafty minds, excuses have for every sinful act. 

They are so fraught with wickedness and underhanded tact. 

Refrain from acting spitefully, if meanness you-despise, 

If you desire in life, to emulate the just and wise. 

How sweet, in sorrow's bitter hours, is love and sympathy. 

To those who mourn o'er loved ones passed into eternity! 

Friends you would surely lose, if you too fussy should become, 

Or to the laws of hospitality seem to be dumb. 

Pity the followers of pride, and never at them sneer, 

'Cause they for wisdom lack, so long as kindness you revere. 

Who weds for gold, and then begins to proud and haughty grow. 

The seeds of folly and of foolishness are sure to sow. 

Who found their godless pride on wealth, to meanness often bow. 

And in the gloomy fields of littleness delight to plough. 

Who finds life's journey rough and drear, to hope should firmer cling, 

For unexpectedly bleak winter may give way for spring. 

The paths which lead to honor ne'er pass by the haunts of pride. 

But run thro' charming vales, where worth and righteousness abide. 

From a good time, no harm may come, when wisdom is your guide, 

When prudence is your counsellor, and righteousness your pride. 



68 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



Wish no man ill, but rather strive to cheer 

Those who have found life's journey rough and drear. 

In prosperous days with prudence never fail to walk, 

Or with vain flattery's followers e'er deign to talk. 

Who has, ay, from a lower to a higher plane 

Some brother raised, could not on earth, have lived in vain. 

When fortune smiles be thankful, and pass by the haunts of pride> 

That you may walk with wisdom, and with righteousness abide- 

Lo, sunny dispositions see but little of the blues. 

As they are rarely known in melancholy's yacht to cruise. 

Who governs not his passions, self-control must sadly need. 

Since they, to awful consequences do so often lead. 

Judge by the character and not the color of the skin, 

Or you may most deservedly, be often taken in. 

"A fast life and a merry one," the wise abhor. 

As champions of peace detest the name of war. 

From flattering children, parents wise, most prudently refrain. 

As they, if so unwise, would naught but needless trouble gain. 

Remember, pigs think only of themselves, no matter where, 

So if their comrades suffer, starve, and die, they do not care. 

Who threatens oft but rarely punishes, is most unfit 

To govern children, or in wisdom's honored courts to sit. 

Ay, ay, make'children mind, or do not be surprised, 

If by your neighbors they should some day be despised. 

How often do the simple on the surface brightly shine, 

And in the haunts where simpletons reside, delight to dine ! 

Who make the most of what in life must be. 

Than those who whine, will far less trouble see. 

Vicious companionship we cannot woo, and still be wise. 

Nor in the courts of righteousness, expect some day to rise. 

Tho' rich or poor, do not affect to be what you are not, 

If you would honored be, as lessons of the past have taught. 

Avoid bad company, or rum may stare you in the face, 

When on your character they've brought dishonor and disgrace. 

Deal squarely with your fellow-men, if you would justice please. 

And never for dishonesty, fall down upon your knees. 

Who falsely swears, deserves to dwell with infamy and shame. 

Because he doth dishonor so, his character and name. 

Be prudent and discreet when you would choose a friend. 

If wisdom, tact, and shrewdness, you would not offend. 

O'er worldly wealth, the wise and good are never known to crow. 

As they the seeds of foolishness have no desire to sow. 

E'en when you suffer from neglect, your talents cultivate. 

And ne'er, because you're poor, the gifts God gave you, underrate, 

Lo, he accomplishes the most who has the least to say. 

Who farthest from vain boasting, loves to labor and to stray. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 69 



So long as we aspire, we cannot retrograde, 

Or, in the hands of shiftlessness, wish to parade. 

He richest seems, who hath in life contentment won, 

Who basks beneath the glare of its entrancing sun. 

Alas! some people never can let "well enough" alone, 

So consequently they know what it is to sigh and groan. 

Frown on faint-heartedness, and forward press, if you a prize, 

Worth having, hope to win, — if you in life would rise. 

Ambition harmeth not, when it to righteousness is wed. 

When it cannot, by foul iniquity, be coaxed or led. 

Do not expect the thoughts of children to be pure. 

Long's they're allowed at home, to read vile lit'rature. 

Who longs for happiness of mind, must strive his debts to pay, 

And never thro' the haunts of recklessness desire to stray. 

So long as we to sin bow down, with danger we must dwell. 

And often know what 'tis to be in trouble and in hell. 

Who fail to rightly live, will seek in vain for happiness, 

So long as justice' peerless laws the}- wilfully transgress. 

Ye proud! remember, those w^ho plainly dress. 

May kindly hearts and noble minds possess! 

Lo, for your children's sake, have naught to do with rum, 

Unless to love and mercy's cries you would be dumb. 

Never discourage those who have resolved to lead 

More noble lives, but strive to be a friend, indeed. 

A faithful mother's counsels never cease to venerate, 

Nor let, as years roll by, their noble influence abate. 

Stand by the bible, lo, 'til you, some nobler teacher find, 

Or some day you may long for peace and happiness of mind. 

Who can please everybody and be strictly just, " 

Or in a crafty character, serenely trust? 

The less we hate the better for our welfare it will be. 

As naught ennobling ever springs from animosity. 

Whatever injures character, teach children to despise. 

And everything that honors it to never cease to prize. 

When passing by a patriot's grave, oh, softly tread. 

And never lightly speak of mankind's honored dead. 

Who slurs the rich and damns the poor, are not o'erstocked vvith wit; 

And to be seen in wisdom's halls are totally unfit. 

At those whom genial fortune loves to smile upon, do not 

Throw stones, as envy ne'er with justice walks, as facts have taught. 

Who like the mean run down the mean, whate'er their stations be, 

Or who more often drains the dregs of bitter misery? 

Between the rich and poor, distinctions cease, when death appears. 

When down the mourner's cheeks, are swiftly flowing sorrow's tears. 

How quickly are the selfishly-inclined forgot, 

Soon's 'neath the turf they're laid, if little good they've wrought I 



70 COUPIvKTS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Mean dispositions never love the good and true, 

Nor o'er the graves of goodness, reverence' blossoms strew. 

Who loves to study nature, longs the truths of life to learn, 

As well's its dark and hidden mysteries to discern. 

Commune with nature, and with passion you'll have less to do, 

And to the precepts of wise understanding prove more true. 

Shun selfishness if many friends you long to claim. 

Ay, ay, so long as noble living is your aim. 

Beware of bold assertions that you cannot prove, or you 

Unto the sacred cause of righteousness, must prove untrue. 

Few friends have they who live for self, and self alone. 

And why not so, when they have hearts resembling stone ? 

The less you have to do with spite, the better, if you would 

Uprightly walk, or choose a dwelling-place among the good. 

From gossipers and spiteful dispositions keep away. 

So long as you believe in honor, justice, and fair play. 

Whoever courts good nature ought a host of friends to claim. 

Allowing that he ne'er forgets his character and name. 

How oft appearances deceive a vain and simple mind, 

In which the signs of sense and understanding we ne'er find. 

For every blessing, we should never fail to grateful be, 

And never haughty seem, in seasons of prosperity. 

Lend not too oft, if you would on the safe side dwell. 

And ne'er to those you slightly know, your secrets tell. 

Ay, ay, if you for other people's feelings ever care, 

Do not too bluntly speak, if you believe in being fair. 

In life, stand by your word, and shun whatever brings disgrace, 

If you your fellow-men, would never be ashamed to face. 

O, public enemies are they who strive to prejudice 

The poor against the rich, or efforts grand and noble, hiss! 

Who loveth not his Maker, will his fellow-men abuse. 

And oft in meanness' cheerless haunts lie down to snooze. 

Who firmly trusts in God will frown on suicide. 

And by the dismal haunts of murder ne'er abide. 

Never forsake a faithful friend nor enemJes abuse. 

Nor in the fertile fields of enterprise ne'er beg nor snooze. 

In occupation, man doth find a fortress strong. 

To shield him from an inclination to do wrong. 

If you would be disliked, then act most disobligingly. 

Or be abhorred, and be a slave to base iniquity. 

Who just for fun, would torture e'en a worm, should suffer, too; 

And suffer 'till they swear they'll be more careful what they do. 

Ay, in the ranks of nobleness he must belong. 

Who'd never wantonly a fellow-being wrong! 

Who beareth trials patiently must suffer less than those 

Alas ! who fret, as prudent wisdom but too plainly knows. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



71 



The less you hate, the better you will feel, 

When you around God's sacred altars kneel. 

The friends of selfishness of others' woes but seldom think; 

And at the fount of hospitality as rarely drink. 

Sneer not at those who have come down in life, if you 

The name of justice love, or would to right prove true. 

Ne'er grin at honest toil, no matter how begrimed it be, 

Nor deign to meanly twit the needy of their poverty. 

From twitting you must cease, if you in justice' paths would walk, 

And never needlessly about your friends and neighbors talk. 

Never abuse the aged, nor the helpless persecute. 

Not, for oppression's cause, e'er deign to win, e'en one recruit. 

Ne'er fail in life to cater to whate'er is good and pure. 

And let the noblest virtues of the heart your mind allure. 

Bear patiently with those who suffer with the ills of life. 

And in your intercourse with them avoid uncalled-for strife. 

He who respecteth not the sabbath day, 

With righteousness is rarely known to stray. 

Better have none at all than unsound laws, 

If they retard the growth of justice' cause. 

Avoid disputing if you value peace. 

And from fault-finding gladly strive to cease. 

Maliciously about our neighbors we should never talk, 

Nor in the footprints of the mischief-maker deign to walk. 

Woe be to any land, whene'er its laws are governed by 

The few, when everywhere is heard oppression's woful cry. 

Unnecessary criticisms make a host of foes. 

As every zealous friend of noble understanding knows. 

Life's duties never shirk, if you desire to justly rise. 

If you the value of integrity and honor prize. 

The good may come to want and even beg for daily bread, 

But O, the passage o'er the silent river they ne'er dread. 

Who is both orderly and neat, admires propriety. 

And when at home, or when abroad, appears becomingly. 

Who would on education frown, must be to folly wed, 

And to the noble influence of understanding dead. 

Kind mercy's cries, blood-thirsty natures rarely seem to hear; 

So they become, thro' heartlessness, objects of scorn and fear. 

At genius' hallowed shrine, how natural 'tis to venerate. 

The noble deeds, and priceless teachings of the truly great! 

Ah, yes ! if lasting popularity you long to see 

Then truth and justice daily woo, and strict integrity. 

On morbid subjects ne'er allow your mind to dwell. 

Or some day you, to folly, may your welfare sell. 

The works of wisdom, shallow minds but rarely comprehend; 

So understanding's followers they do quite oft offend. 



72 COUPIvETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Whilst justice you revere, you'll never trample on the weak, 

Nor to earth's poor unfortunates unkindly speak. 

For others, oh, how seldom doth a selfish heart e'er feel. 

Or cheerfully beside self-sacrifice's altar kneel! 

Who enter matrimony's gates, know not what is in store 

For them, — what trials hard to bear — what tribulations sore ! 

Never pretend to do what you cannot, nor idly boast 

Or you may some day land on folly's rough and dismal coast. 

Do not insult those who beneath you seem to be. 

Nor sneer at those who suffer from adversity. 

Women and men, alike condemn, when they from virtue stray. 

So long as you believe in honor, justice and fair play. 

Beware of prejudice, if you broad-minded long to be. 

Eschewing littleness, and shunning cant and bigotry. 

When death appears it never asks, "Lo, are you rich or poor?" 

Of this plain, undisputed fact you may be very sure. 

With those who do the best thay can, do not impatient be, 

Nor from the glorious field of duty ever deign to flee. 

The welfare of our nation, we should labor to promote, 

And only for the noble and the good e'er deign to vote. 

In wild ideas and notions crude and dark, take little stock, 

Or in the chair of disappointment you may some day rock. 

When statesmen lack for character, woe be to any land, 

When they for principle and worth have no desire to stand. 

Alas ! how hard it seems to have to kneel 

To those who haughtil}^ above us feel ! 

Who loves too well to underrate the works of others, must. 

In his uncommon stock of self-conceit most firmly trust. 

Who often indiscreetly acts, for trouble never wants, 

Nor fails to early find grim tribulation's gloomy haunts. 

Of idle gossipers do not so much as think, 

Unless you long to stand on danger's slippery brink. 

Who twits you of your failings oft, no trusty friend can be. 

But rather an eye-sore, and an unfeeling enemy. 

Alas! from angry words, what awful deeds have risen. 

Whose penalties have been the gallows and the prison. 

Encourage those whose minds are noble, pure and just. 

And readily their solemn vows and pledges trust. 

How far from justice, he hath strayed, who loves to ugly be. 

Who from fits of ill-humor and abuse is seldom free! 

Who seeks for mischief oft, with folly must acquainted be. 

And oft be tossed on trouble's rough, and tempest-raging sea. 

In calm contentment, progress finds no zealous friend 

That would encourage, or desire a helping hand to lend. 

Alas ! how sweet it seems to think of loved ones gone before, 

When troubles weigh us down and sorrow's billows madly roar! 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 73 

Ay, ay, ne'er deign to show your works to those who prize them not, 

Or to be treated in a shabby way, may be your lot. 

Low minds for what is noble, good, or grand, but rarely cry. 

To aspire and to rightly live, they do so seldom try. 

On lustful passion ne'er allow your mind to dwell, 

Or you may soon your soul to degradation sell. 

Justice, to statesmanship, should ever be a beacon light. 

Or craft and power may be allowed to triumph over right. 

Who trims the midnight wick too oft, may sometime dearly pay, 

By cutting short his days, and passing ere his time away. 

Lo, envious minds well-balanced rarely seem, 'tis plain to see, 

As they wdth wnsdom, common sense, and reason ne'er agree. 

Better live singly than to wed a jealous mate. 

As violence may any hour decide your fate. 

Miserly souls for meanness never lack, tho' rich or poor. 

So this explains why justice can't their company endure. 

Who maketh fun of maidens, he has no desire to wed. 

The sunn}^ paths of righteousness is rarely known to tread. 

Lo, who would disrespectful be to maidens young or old 

Hath to iniquit}^ his honor and his conscience sold. 

Upon the lakes of justice and of truth you'll never row, 

So long as you the seeds of wickedness delight to sow. 

O, envy not the rich, nor their possessions crave; 

Nor at the folly of the proud e'er deign to rave. 

Never to new-made friends, your solemn secrets tell. 

Lest some day you awake to find yourself in hell. 

What like a treacherous heart can play so well the part of friend. 

Or oftener the laws of righteousness and truth offend ? 

Who would entrap his neighbors or their weaknesses betray, 

Must often woo deceit, and on the beds of treachery lay. 

Lo, justice we insult, when we look down upon the poor. 

Ay, when for interest's sake we laud the wealthy evil-doer. 

Alas ! none are so often mortified 

As the poor slaves of vanity and pride. 

Ah, yes ! when trouble comes, our enemies we soon find out. 

As they to please their ill-will, then begin to loudly shout. 

Over your passions, daily strive to keep control. 

Or sometime they your hopes inay blast or ruin your soul. 

Never forget the noble acts of love and faithfulness, 

Nor just for gain, take the advantage of those in. distress. 

How base and cruel he must be, who doth on virtue prey, 

Who seems to take delight in leading innocence astray ! 

Ay, ay, who sees in goodness and in kindly deeds. 

But softness, rarely at the feet of justice pleads. 

Despised, hard-heartedness has been, and ever'll be, 

So long's the human breast feels for humanity. 



74 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

The kindly heart by giving, or thro' tongue or pen, 

Loves to promote the welfare of its fellow-men. 

Repeating matters shows a disposition mean, 

That honor, truth and justice ne'er would dare to screen. 

What has more oft the human bosom stung, 

Than envy's base and mischief-making tongue? 

Happy is he who has his proper calling found, 

Tho' it should never be his lot to be renowned. 

O, what a soothing influence, sweet music doth possess 

O'er those who keenly suffer from disease and keen distress! 

When cruel jealousy turns wedlock into hell, 

Oh, why not separate if you with peace would dwell. 

O, what can be more soothing than compassion's healing balm, 

To those who suffer or their troubled feelings quicker calm? 

Than those who once were poor, who can more meanly slight 

Their former friends, or wander farther from the right? 

In him whose passions ne'er have been allowed to madly rage 

Is plainly seen the tact and wisdom of no would-be sage. 

An evil heart is an adept at laying snares. 

And preying on the innocent all unawares. 

As soon as men have ceased to prosperous be, 

How quickly summer friends begin to flee! 

How wrangling natures love to be on the off side, 

Regardless of the sense of honor or of pride! 

Mean dispositions love to plague, and basely tantalize 

Whom they dislike, tho' they in life desire or not to rise. 

x\s well attempt to dam a river with a sieve 

As to believe the miserly do justly live. 

An independent mind, for idle gossip careth not. 

Nor deigns to worry o'er what this or that one said or thought. 

Yea, for a contrite heart there's always hope, 

Tho' thro' sin's gloomiest wilds its way should grope. 

No worthy mind looks down upon an honest son of toil, 

Tho' in a mine or shop, or on a rough and stony soil. 

Whoever loves too well his neighbor's anger to provoke 

Amounts in wisdom's estimation to a whiff of smoke. 

The name of babyhood, how kindly mothers love. 

When in their hearts is fovind the grace of God above. 

Waited upon the proud and insolent desire to be, 

As well in trying days of want as in prosperity. 

A greedy heart will take, but raves when called upon to give, 

Down on a low and godless plane it loves so well to live. 

The heart, when running o'er with sin is on the road to crime. 

And soul-debasing deeds may boldly do most any time. 

Who longeth for forbidden fruit cannot be wise, 

Nor to the mountain-peaks of justice hope to rise. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^5 

By character and not by gold, the righteous j^dge. 

And for the friends of fortune ne'er an inch do budge. 

Be miserly, unscrupulous or mean, if you would be 

Despised, or daily tread the highways of iniquity. 

Ne'er butt against the truth, if shame you ^?^^Jd ^^^.^^^P' 

Nor long with error's poisonous seeds, your brain to steep. 

Rob not yourself of proper sleep, nor fast too long, 

If you would every day be healthy wise and strong. 

Of friends, fault-finders seldom have more than they need; 

Contentment's priceless lessons they so rarely heed. 

If far from home and friends, it be your lot to ^oam, some day. 

Remember those who for your welfare never cease to pray. 

Don't notice every little thing, if you would happy be. 

If you would ever be a friend to sweet tranquility. 

Can he be wise, or good, who would for a companion choose 

A being who dumb animals doth cruelly abuse.-' 

Remember happiness don't always come with fame 

Nor sweet contentedness and peace with a great name. 

Beware of those who advertise. "In ^very case a cure '' 

For they the contents of your pocket-books long to allure. 

Thro' law and medicine, how rogues and villains love to prey. 

Upon their fellow-men, to fleece their precious gold away! 

Keep clear of debt, if you love peace and happiness of mmd. 

Or you of woe and misery may a double portion find. 

Lo, self-reliance we can ne'er too diligently woo. 

If we desire success to crown whate'er we choose to do 

The timid rarelv do much good, they are so cursed by tear 

FaUin'lo do their duty, e'ln toward those they hold most dear. 

A mother's prayers are priceless jewels to a thoughtful child. 

And often loving saviors to the wayward and the wild. . 

Who meanly slights his neighbors 'cause they want for gold. 

May some day wake, to find himself out m the cold. 

Refrain from vulgar words and idle talk. 

If you desire thro' wisdom's haunts to walk. 

TViP records of the iust, the young should strive to emulate, 

n they when starti\ig out in life, would pass thro' wisdom's gate. 

Firmly refuse to honor those, to whom it is not due. 

If to the principle of justice you love to be true. 

On hope, foundations never build, or you may soon regret. 
Your folly, and to indiscretion quickly run in debt. 
With those who love contention never walk, 
Nor choose your friends, 'mongst those who wildly talk. 



76 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Just to please shallow vanity, or sickly pride, 

Do not the lowly or the meanly-dressed deride. 

What like contention can so chill the joy ©f wedded life, 

Or what more often causes trouble and domestic strife? 

Learn to love honesty, and you will never rob for gain, 

Nor in the haunts of heartless greed desire to dance and train. 

So long as we contend, for happiness we'll vainly seek. 

In wedded life, tho' we be rich or poor, tho' proud or meek. 

This solemn and unerring fact, who can, or would e'er doubt? 

Pride's rankest slaves are those who have the least to boast about. 

A sheepish look have they, who princely fortunes rear thro' fraud, 

Who fleece their fellow-men, and at corruption often nod. 

Suspicious creatures are too ready to accuse, 

Too willing to believe the most unlikely news. 

Simply because a brother differs with us in belief. 

Ought we to persecute, or pray that he may come to grief? 

Mistakes we often make when we our neighbors' business mind, 

When we the bottom of their private secrets long to find. 

Who rightly values a good name will never falsely swear. 

His neighbors to convict, nor lay for them a deadly snare. 

Be careful of your health, if peace and long life you desire, 

And early see that its wise precepts shall your mind inspire. 

Condemn no man before his case is heard, nor lie for gain, 

Unless with bare-faced wickedness you love to dance and train. 

Hail with delight whatever tends to elevate mankind, 

Whatever proves to be ennobling to the heart and mind. 

With spiteful dispositions form no friendships, or you may 

Be often seen where trouble, w^oe, and misery love to stray. 

Be not afraid to speak when truth and justice are at stake. 

Nor in a manner cowardly desire your word to break. 

From dissipation and profanity, what good e'er sprang. 

Or what accomplishments from falsehood and unseemly slang? 

Never condemn the rich, because with gold they're well supplied, 

Nor thoughtlessly to envy bow, their riches to deride. 

Oh, ne'er unfriendly seem to those who nobly labor for 

The welfare of their fellow-men, nor deign to meanly jaw. 

On whom the world has roughly dealt, ne'er frown, 

Nor deign to kick a brother when he's down. 

Whatever tends to elevate, with ardor woo. 

And to the laws of truth ne'er deign to prove untrue. 

When you a good work would perform, dismayed, O, never be, 

Tho' oppositions bold and fierce you meet, or mountains see. 

Meet opposition fairly, or from honor flee. 

If you the plains of righteousness desire to see. 

Who thinketh evil of his neighbors must for charity lack, 

And often wantonly its tender feelings harshly rack. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 77 

When to the chambers of the sick, still death doth creep, 

Ah, then, how comfortless is pride to those who weep! 

Who slights his humble friends, when fortune sweetly smiles. 

Away from justice' courts must dwell, ay, many miles. 

But little urging do we need to call on those we love. 

Or busy bees ne'er swarm, nor stars can twinkle up above. 

When members of a family with one another jaw, 

Peace suddenly departs, it hateth so domestic war. 

Ye prosperous! remember those who flatter now. 

May in adversity be first to cease to bow. 

Woe be to man on earth, should churches cease to be, — 

The mighty bulwarks reared to shield him from iniquity. 

Women, less oft than men, upon the feet of justice tread, 

This fact who can deny, whatever may be thought or said? 

Women who loudly talk, and often raise their voices high, 

'Tis safe to say, will never drink the wells of wisdom dry. 

Who walketh in the paths of just integrity. 

From the transgressor's punishment remaineth free. 

Who meanly grumbles when he has a debt to pay, 

Must surely dwell from justice' haunts far — far away. 

Inmansions fair, remember, sinners often dwell, 

Who prosper thro' their meanness and base falsehoods tell. 

A Christian home, by holy love presided o'er, 

The noblest saints of God, might reverently adore. 

Lo, treacherous hearts with pleasure meanly lie, 

And artfully their neighbors' failings spy. 

If you would wed, consider character, as well as gold, 

Or you to woe, by cunning folly, may some day be sold. 

Cnildren who have, in wisdom's schools, been rightly taught. 

For pleasure, never will to gambling dens resort. 

Shrewd minds when not with righteousness allied. 

Are prone thro meanness' gates to softly glide. 

When with the humble, wisdom feels the most at home. 

Having among the proud, no wish to dwell or roam. 

When men are too inclined to boast of what they know, 

How oft, by foolish self-conceit, are they brought low! 

The simple company of the vainglorious inspireth not; 

And why should it, when boasting ne'er a noble deed hath wrought? 

When we're inclined to run our neighbors down, we ought to pray 

To God, that he may lead us from such folly, far away. 

Expect bad luck, when you the counsels of sound reason spurn, 

When prudence you o'erlook, and from foresight few lessons learn. 

Never bow down to restless passion if you would with peace reside. 

Or up and down life's thoroughfares with anger long to stride. 

He is more dreaded than beloved who will be rude and rough. 

Who loves too well to have his friends and neighbors call him tough. 



78 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How oft the ignorant, when blessed with common sense, succeed, 

Where learned men have failed, so much for it they stood in need! 

When sickness and misfortune come, oh, then, how soon we see 

The helplessness of pride, and emptiness of vanity! 

Who mourneth long, doth not with wisdom walk, 

Nor in the chairs of understanding rock. 

When we desire to injure others, oh, how cheap we feel, 

Ay, mean as those who rarely know what 'tis to squarely deal ! 

Meddlesome people often want for friends, and fools for wit, 

Or men of understanding ne'er in wisdom's circles sit. 

Alas ! false witnesses to meanness and deceit are wed. 

And thro' the gloomy vales of wickedness delight to tread. 

Those who, when life's rough storms do madly howl, forsake us not, 

Should never cease by us to cherished be, nor e'er forgot. 

Most any fool can bow, when we are on our feet, 

But few indeed, when we are helpless on the street. 

He who has won the approbation of the good and wise, 

Is one, indeed, who truly doth deserve in life to rise. 

Be cautious if you would your health preserve, 

And watchfulness and temperance daily serve. 

Who find in home a hell, the dregs of woe and misery drain, 

And battle troubles that may drive the strongest mind insane. 

He fools with danger, who delights to mad an enemy ; 

Showing a woful want of tact and wit, 'tis plain to see. 

Value your word, you will, so long as justice you revere. 

So long's the noble cause of righteousness to 3'OU seems dear. 

Remember, noble minds to injure others, never deign. 

Nor meanly take advantage of, nor injure just for gain. 

Avoid fast living, if you would with happiness reside, 

And ne'er become d cringing slave to vanity and pride, 

Lo, who between the rich and poor, distinctions love to make, 

Can ne'er in justice' sinless courts, its noblest prizes take. 

Never insult your visitors, whilst honor you revere, 

Nor at their weaknesses and failings deign to meanly sneer. 

Despise no man because he owns of wealth no princely share. 

Nor look down on the worthy, when in life they find rough fare. 

Never condemn what you know naught about, or you may err, , 

And very justly, understanding's enmity incur. 

Honor and principle, men never'll slight 

So long as they desire to do \yhat's right, 

Lo, in the hey-day of prosperity 

Extravagant with gold, oh, never be ! 

Of those who meanly look down on the poor, beware, 

And ijever lightly speak of those who roughly fare. 

Live nobly, if you would a follower of Christ become. 

And you will never seem, to goodness' cause, like one that's dumb. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 79 

What useful lessons trials often teach, 

To those who listen and to those who preach ! 

That child may well rejoice who was by Christian parents reared 

In virtue, grace, and truth — the boons by goodness so revered. 

Envy and pride are burdens still to good society, 

And while degrading sin exists will never cease to be. 

O, rouse yourselves, and think ye ! who are easily led; 

And to temptation's honeyed words, seem as one dead. 

Who loveth honor, will refrain from slandering the rich, 

And far from cruel envy's haunts desire his tent to pitch. 

Who would oppress the poor, in order to enrich the few, 

To the inspiring cause of righteousness must prove untrue. 

Honor has nought to do with one who sells his vote, 

Who never longs the public's welfare to promote. 

With help the greedy boss is not considerate. 

He cares so little for their welfare or their fate. 

Who loveth righteousness will ne'er his help oppress; 

Nor grind for some mere, petty debt, those in distress. 

Surroundings have with character so much to do. 

We must be watchful, if to goodness we'd prove true. 

"Live and let live," what more refreshing motto can we find, 

More pleasing to the heart, or more congenial to the mind? 

Who think that priv'leges and wealth belong but to the few. 

To the best interests of their native land may prove untrue. 

Men never seem at home with those who 'bove them feel, 

Nor willingly desire to work to their best weal. 

To the light-fingered conscience seems to be unknown, 

So long the seeds of craft and folly they have sown. 

Who would the common people overlook, 

The cause of righteousness must have forsook. 

Ay, ay, conceited natures shun as you would poisonous air, 

So long as you for justice, truth and understanding care. 

In struggling to obtain the prizes of success, 

How often men defy the laws of righteousness. 

Because the wicked prosper in this world of calm and strife. 

Be not surprised, for money buys the good things of this life. 

Who rather than disgrace his name, would sacrifice success. 

Cannot belong in the mean ranks of sordid selfishness. 

If you love children, then with pure and upright neighbors dwell, 

If you believe good influences must for virtue tell. 

Who thinks more of his salary than of his native land 

Consistently for honor's cause could never stand. 

We must do good and ever strive to emulate the just, 

If we would not forgotten be when we have turned to dust. 

The mean, however prosperous in life, are soon forgot, 

But records of the good, thro' endless ages may be sought. 



80 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Who findeth fun and pleasure in the mishaps of another, 

Forfeits his right to be saluted as a human brother. 

Parents who treat their children disrespectfully, 

Cannot be friends of honor and integrity. 

Who for the young and helpless never seem to care, 

Richly deserve in life, to find unsavory fare. 

Whoever trims the m.idnight lamp, in a mad rush for wealth. 

Does so — 'tis plain enough to see — at the expense of health. 

Whoever sneers at knowledge, and at education grins, 

Alas, against his own best interests foolishly sins. 

Ay, ay, God pity those, who've been to cruel natures wed, 

Whose tender hearts, by them, have been most mercilessly bled, 

Good children rarely hesitate their parents to obey. 

Thro' wise obedience' pleasant paths they love so well to stray. 

He who forgets humanity when he in life hath risen, 

Alas ! may find himself some day where he belongs — in prison. 

Whatever edifies the mind, zealously cultivate. 

Remembering we can wisdom learn, if we cannot be great. 

Cease threat'ning children, and begin to execute, 

Or they with you some day, the mastery may dispute. 

Who daily teach their children to abhor extravagance, 

In no uncertain way, their dearest interests advance. 

In governing the young avoid extreme severity. 

If you expect in after years by them to honored be. 

With children, oh, be sparing of your praise. 

If you would bring them up in wisdom's ways. 

Whoever, for self-interest's sake, his rivals would malign, 

In noble justice' stainless courts is never known to shine. 

Parents who fail to make unruly chidren mind. 

Most likely will, in life, their share of misery find. 

Who acts too hastily knows what it is to feel 

Remorse's sting, that pierces like a blade of steel. 

Tho' rich or poor, oh, do the works of wisdom highly prize. 

If you in life, desire above dark ignorance to rise. 

Among the lowly noble minds are often found. 

Whose kindly hearts, with goodly virtues do abound. 

For other peoples' feelings selfish natures seldom care, 

Alas ! because'they think so often of their own welfare. 

Oh, tempted child! think of your loving parents, kind and true» 

Then hesitate; and for their sakes, be careful what you do. 

Remember nothing can be proved by mere belief. 

Or godless rogues and villains never come to grief. 

How oft it seems as tho' those noble mothers' hearts would break, 

Who live with brutal husbands, rather than their young forsake 1 

Shun haughtiness of mind, as you would poison's deadly bowl. 

Unless down on the plains of foolishness you long to roll. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 81 

Tho' wealth and power and glory we may claim, 

There's naught can take the place of a good name. 

Who would uplift the fallen, or to goodness nobly rise, 

More likely will succeed the less he longs to criticise. 

Alas! fools seldom care to do a generous act, 

They want so much for nobleness and worthy tact. 

Be>vare of those who run religion down, 

For in dark days they'll oft upon you frown. 

Who knows when he's well off may many a pitfall shun, 

When those who thoughtless live, by trouble are undone. 

Who would a faithful mother e'er forget. 

Must be to sin and folly deep in debt. 

Who would reclaim the fallen must to them most kindly speak. 

Treating them like a friend, who has thro' sickness become weak. 

Who has a judgment weak, for trouble ne'er'll want. 

Or simpletons the poor are never known to taunt. 

That maiden never will fair wisdom's laurels reap, 

Who striveth not from sin her character to keep. 

Who loveth justice' cause, and soberly doth think 

Will never long to tempt his neighbor with strong drink. 

When father and when mother rest within the silent tomb. 

Oh, may their kind advice within our hearts still brightly bloom! 

From goodly influences, who would profit not, 

In bold temptation's luring nets may oft be caught. 

Who manfully refuses to forsake the cause of right. 

For honor, truth and righteousness wall never cease to fight. 

Whate'er one's calling be in life. 

We should avoid uncalled-for strife. 

Better a thousand times with hunger dwell, 

Than to the cause of rum your honor sell. 

Who truly loves his native land, would ne'er a traitor be. 

But in the hour of peril, fight for home and liberty. 

What troubles pass him by, who thinks before he speaks, 

As from too flippant tongues much ugly-mischief leaks. 

Innocent pleasure promotes health 

In sons of poverty or wealth. 

No good e'er comes from acting proudly. 

Nor noble thoughts from dressing loudly. 

A shallow mind can never emulate the great, 

Nor fools with dignity rule o'er a Christian state. 

Low pleasures shun, if you would not your mind debase. 

Or you some day upon 3'our name may bring disgrace. 

A sunny heart must he possess w^ho'd please his fellow-men, 

Tho' in a hovel, or among the prosperous upper-ten. 

Who wickedly compromises, his ends to gain, 

We fear in noble justice' bed has rarely lain. 



82 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Who fortune wins thro' fraud and trickery, 

Must be in league with foul iniquity. 

Who has a cross and fretting wife to damn his home 

Is amply justified should he desire to roam. 

To cover up his sins, who doth to falsehood fly, 

May never for his love of truth and honor die. 

O, how inspiring seems the company 

Of those who each day would more noble be! 

Lo, to degrade mankind, where can we find a greater curse 

Than old king Alcohol, or one that oft'ner drains the purse. 

When those who wed commence to wrangle and to jaw, 

How soon appears home's betterest foe, domestic war! 

Ay, ay, salvation comes thro' grace, and is the gift of God, 

Which men can never gain by work, however hard they plod. 

By blind emotion who would e'er be led. 

Who has on wisdom's food been often fed. 

As kindly deeds, what diamonds ever shone so brightly. 

Or in the realm of nobleness e'er seemed so sightly? 

Godless are they who never for their fellow-creatures feel, 

Who at the altars of the just are never known to kneel. 

Love what is good we must, and every evil thought eschew, 

Or we cannot to honor and integrity prove true. 

Minds that are fascinated by each senseless show, 

Dwell on a plane, from wisdom's heights far — far below. 

Who gives a library, a priceless present's made, 

Whose influence for good" and knowledge never'll fade. 

Who oft upon his neighbors has his own misdoings sworn. 

When death has done its work, how few o'er him desire to mourn ! 

To independent be, O, every mortal should aspire. 

Who honor wooes, or to be burdensome has no desire. 

Who labors for the interests of sin 

Must in the end, but woe and folly win. 

Who in strong drink his only comfort seems to find. 

Will wisdom's golden wreath around his brow ne'er twine. 

Who forward seems, or acts unworthily, 

Is a sore burden to good company. 

Despise no fellow-man, however mean or base. 

So long as you in him can signs of goodness trace. 

Who would upon another dump his load of sin. 

To honor's courts is never seen to enter in. 

The luring paths which lead to sin, whoe'er forsook. 

By simply gazing at a proud and haughty look ? 

Lo, with the humble, wisdom loves to peacefully abide, 

Far — far away from envy, jealousy and senseless pride. 

Who loves to kindly act, e'en toward an enemy, 

Must have a heart that's governed by sweet charity. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE- 83 

There is a decent pride commendable in all, 

On which the wisest never can too often call, 

Alas! we seek in vain for nobleness in pride, 

For how could it with such a friend to folly 'bide? 

The oftener we sin, the bolder we become, 

Or cruel hearts are ne'er to mercy's pleadings dumb. 

An evil heart with aught that's good, has no desire to dwell, 

Down on a low and godless plane it loves to live so well. 

For idle show, how many have their fortunes spent, 

Ay, to outshine their neighbors they were so intent ! 

Above the coffin of a friend, 'tis well to say, 

"How useless noM' is pride, or millions stored away!" 

How edifying, ay, how sweet, it seems to talk 

With those who love with truth and honesty to walk ! 

He has an evil heart, who loves to injure others, though 

He dwells within a mansion grand, or in a cottage new. 

Who envy e'er escaped, if he in life hath strove to rise, 

Whate'er his lot, however gifted, or however wise? 

Lo, earthly riches never can bring happiness 

To those who do the laws of honesty transgress. 

The haughty pride of wealth, devoid of sense and wisdom seems, 
As it with seeds of vain exclusiveness so thickly teems. 

How quickly happiness departs, soon's we contentment slight, 

Tho' in a mansion or a cot, when day becometh night! 

Who labors for the cause of righteousness 

Would ne'er for gain his fellow-men oppress. 

Alas! a sordid heart thinks onh^ of self-interest, 

And on the couch of nobleness is never known to rest! 

Alas ! suspicious minds for trouble never cease to look; 

And oh, why not, when long ago they reason's haunts forsook ? 

Who longs for intellectual company 

In understanding's courts may some day be. 

The noble deeds of right and goodness strive to emulate. 

And with aught that is mean or low, O, ne'er associate. 

Who can himself belittle more than he who loves to sin. 

Who thro' his folly fails the honors of good sense to win. 

Taste not, then rum will never drag you down. 

Nor when your gold hath flown, upon you frown. 

Parents who do indulge their children to excess. 

Can useful lessons learn from sense and righteolisness. 

How carping critics love to grin, when they some flaws discern. 

When they to understanding's schools, should go, some sense to learn, 

Tho' erring man, thro' meanness, may a season prosper here, 

When solemn death draws nigh, how few then shed the heart-felt tear! 

In life, mean hearts may prosper, but when dead, they're soon forgot. 

This telling fact, in mankind's history is plainly taught. 



84 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

So long as you to craft and treachery would be dumb, 

Nigh base deception's luring haunts you ne'er should come. 

Alas ! how mean and foolishly we often act 

When we to anger yield our better sense and tact ! 

Miserly natures ne'er with nobleness long to abide, 

Down on a base and wretched plane they love so to reside. 

Lo, none but evil minds the efforts of the good attack, 

Alas ! for noble qualities they do so sadly lack. 

Parents who would before their children wisely walk. 

Will ne'er with topers and vain busybodies talk. 

Whose wants are few in life, in trouble's ranks but rarely tread. 

And rarer still desire to sleep in restlessness' hard bed. 

Knowledge acquired when under mad excitement's spell, 'tis vain 

To e'er imagine that it is more easy to retain. 

In anecdotes, O, what amusement we may find 

To cheer a heavy heart, and please a troubled mind ! 

Maidens should ne'er forget that they too trustful can become, 

And to discretion's warnings never wish that they were dumb. 

He who reveres a sainted mother, never will betray 

A trusting maid, nor lead from haunts of purity away. 

Who will not trusty warnings heed, must pay the penalty, 

And at the shrine of folly weep and plead on bended knee. 

On flippant tongues, who would implicitly rely. 

To wise discretion's haunts cannot dwell very nigh. 

Untruthful minds would mountains make of hillocks small, 

They love so well to dwell with littleness and gall. 

Who would his character disgrace, to please his love of show, 

The learning of the wise may never be his lot to know. 

How drear indeed, his lot must really be, 

Who's always hounded by adversity! 

When to discouragement we bow, and look on the dark side, 

Oh, then between us and fair wisdom, lies a chasm wide. 

The thoughts of impure minds, to health may prove a curse. 

And prematurely bring the uninvited hearse. 

Who lacks the living faith, that soars to heaven and God, 

May never in the sunny fields of wisdom plod. 

Ay, every goodly work, O, hail with rapturous joy. 

But every base one strive to cripple and annoy. 

But cruel hearts and shameless ones the aged would abuse, 

Or those who long in life to rise rare offers would refuse. 

A self-willed mind is seldom led away. 

And with sensation careth not to stray. 

Reason in self-conceit we never find, 

Nor wisdom in mere haughtiness of mind. 

Alas! for mercy he may cry in vain, some day. 

Who lies in wait to lead the innocent astray. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE- 85 

Alas ! in conversation, or in jest, or joke, 

O, what like ignorance can learning's ire provoke? 

Fond parents' hopes are not fulfilled in every forward child, 

Or May flowers bloom in March, and elephants are never wild. 

O, how the ignorant the friends of wisdom aggravate, 

Ay, ay, when back biting is seen to be their leading trait ! 

When treachery domineers a deep and subtle heart, 

How oft its perfidy makes right and reason start ! 

For worth and justice he must sadly lack, indeed, 

Who dwells with those who would a fellow-being bleed. 

Soon's stubbornness with ignorance has been allied. 

Then reason flees in company more wise to 'bide. 

Hearts that are base, on spotless virtue meanly frown, 

When they desire to drag some fellow-being down. 

Seek understanding if you would be wise, 

And in the sinless courts of wisdom rise. 

No wonder faith declines when men become 

To spirit truths and pleadings, blind and dumb. 

Who on the carnal things of earth their hopes have firmly set, 

May when too late their want of foresight and good sense regret. 

As well attempt to move a mountain with a rake, 

As to believe a miser would his gold forsake. 

Lo, Morpheus more sweetly smiles on those who daily toil. 

Than on the sons of fortune, who their fingers rarely soil. 

A little mind an enemy would not forgive. 

As it with nobleness has no desire to live. 

Ay, ay, than av'rice' menial slaves, who can more basely act. 

Or who the feelings of the just and good more oft have racked. 

A callous heart that's mean, ne'er hesitates to sin, 

Whene'er the chance occurs to pull some greenhorn in. 

Minds that are broad have naught to do with bigotry, 

As they with fair play love to be in company. 

Who can religious bigotry admire, 

To sit in wisdom's courts would not aspire. 

The more exclusive we become, the more unjust, 

For men, tho' rich or poor, must turn sometime to dust. 

The heart of girlhood longs to be in love. 

As blossoms crave sweet raindrops from above. 

O, envy not the great! why foolish act? 

Why to the world display a want of tact? 

The haughty proud forget to humble be. 

To bend before the Lord a willing knee. 

A muddy stream the critic's eye detests, 

As justice-loving minds, gossiping pests. 

Grim Atheist ! w^ho lovest thee ? 

From whom the good desire to flee. 



86 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Sly women, who in company most modest seem, 

Down in their hearts allow deception's seeds to teem. 

Who ne'er forgets the influences of a Christian home. 

Temptation's luring snares will shun, wherever he may roam. 

The youth who shuns an evil woman's snare, 

Hath dodged a load of trouble, pain, and care. 

How sweetly smiles an evil woman, when 

She would make simpletons of sinful men ! 

Who daily strives to climb the stairs of righteousness, will be 

Less prone to seek the paths which lead to base iniquity. 

Who to the poor and lowly would uncivil be. 

Will honor's highest peaks, in vain desire to see. 

Rude natures rarely bow to wise civility, 

Or feel, ay, quite at home, in genteel company. 

Who in his manners would be always rough, 

Will find himself disliked, ay, quite enough. 

Oh, what like meanness can the heart of indignation fire. 

When it would righteousness and honor trample in the mire! 

Parents who to their children strong drink early give, 

Cannot with wisdom walk, nor with the upright live. 

Lo, in the vales of ignorance the meanest bigots dwell. 

Who thro' their talk and actions seem to make of life a hell. 

How oft a saintly mother's kind advice 

Returns when sin our footsteps would entice! 

Fear to act sinfully, and sorry 3^ou will never be. 

But in this life more happiness and pleasure surely see. 

Disdain to wrangle, quarrel, fight and jaw. 

Unless you long for wretchedness and war. 

Remember, kindly words, like music's strains can cheer. 

The hearts of those whose lot in life seems dark and drear. 

Oh ! from deceiving cease in wedded life, 

Unless you love contention, woe, and strife. 

Who to his help insultingly would speak. 

Cannot too quickly sense and justice seek. 

In every age the miserly have been despised. 

And O, why not, unless pure meanness should be prized? 

How oft in wedlock, those who will deceive 

Have caused fond, trusting hearts to sorely grieve! 

Penurious minds some bugbear see in every call for aid. 

No matter where, or when, of giving they are so afraid. 

Miserly hearts are dead to justice, worth and shame, 

As they are to the honors of a noble name. 

Shun dissipation if you long in life to rise. 

If you discretion's precepts would forever prize. 

To favor his own interests who would to falsehood kneel, 

Alas! might under other circumstances cheat and steal. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 87 

Who loves to injure must possess a callous heart, 

That by the lash of justice can't too often smart. 

The spotless records of the just, men love to venerate, 

When on their noble qualities they stop to meditate. 

A wagging tongue to wickedness allied, 

Has often peace and common sense defied. 

Alas ! if children have in sin-curst homes been born, 

Then well may justice weep, and wisdom look forlorn. 

How hard it seems to reason with a jealous mind. 

Or in an envious heart, the seeds of right to find ! 

A cruel heart, the name of niercy barely knows, 

Alas! so oft it has life's tender feelings froze. 

An evil heart in subtle w^ays delights to sin. 

And heartless snares to set, to rope the careless in. 

Ay, ay, in their own nets the crafty oft are caught. 

As meanness' gloomy annals have for ages taught. 

With a bad woman, who for craft and cunning can compete. 

Or her foul record for denying truth e'er hope to beat? 

Why should we follow in the footsteps of debasing sin, 

When by so doing, we none of life's worth}' trophies win? 

Who honors sin in any form, with justice walketh not, 

Or simpletons in wisdom's ranks for truth have nobly fought. 

What are unfeeling hearts but thorns and briars to sweet home? 

If they are not, then fools delight with wisdom's sons to roam. 

Lo, little can be reaped from shallow minds, but idle talk, 

That often has, and often may the friends of wisdom shock. 

Far-seeing minds, if wise in life, least trouble see. 

Or figs on grape-vines grow, and pinks upon a tree. 

Whoever would a story-teller trust, 

The mind of wisdom fills with rank disgust. 

Lo, who a goodly mother's teachings e'er would spurn, 

Who in the priceless schools of wisdom loves to learn? 

Deceitful eyes and flattering words are wed to sin. 

As they the young and innocent love to take in. 

The evil-minded always something shocking see, 

And still forget to flee themselves from deviltry. 

In wisdom's honored school, to greatness' mount whoever rose. 

Who reason's counsels shunned, to settle arguments by blows? 

What cherished thought on earth doth seem so comforting as this? 

"There is a better land of joy and love and endless bliss." 

Impudent questions we should never deign to ask, 

So long as we desire in justice' vales to bask. 

When thro' your greed for gold, vain folly makes you smart, 

Remember you from it must some day surely part. 

With haughty women, common sense has naught to do, 

So oft to reason's priceless laws they prove untrue. 



88 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Conceited people seldom thro' the fields of wisdom roam, 

And in the haunts of common sense less rarely seek a home. 

Better by far be ignorant than bad, when knowledge would 

Lead us away from vales where dwell the upright and the good. 

A wary foe in broad day-light as well attempt to pen, 

As to believe that wisdom loves poor, self-conceited men. 

Credulous minds with nonsense often dine, 

To feast on fruit from folly's tem.pting vine. 

The less the brain capacity of self-conceited minds, 

The more of bombast and of shallowness one surely finds. 

Lo, none like Christians love the fallen to reclaim, 

From dens where revel degradation, vice and shame! 

When little minds are proud, how they despise the poor, 

Pretending they cannot their company endure. 

When pride and stupidness in men are found, we seek in vain 

For common sense, as we do in a self-conceited brain. 

Who lacks for common sense, or judgment sound, 

In understanding's ranks will ne'er be found. 

How inconsiderate is he who doth expect too much, 

Whou'erthe precious fruit on reason' vines would taste or touch! 

Better be poor than to be rich and be despised, 

As rightly sages have in every age surmised. 

Who doth not read the Book of books, oh, what does he pass by? 

The vital truths which teach men how to live and how to die. 

In forwardness we never signs of goodness see, 

Nor in a wayward child, a love of modesty. 

Beware of those who talk too smoothly to your face, 

Or you foul treacher3-'s steps ma}^ some day plainly trace. 

Who sneers at justice and at wisdom meanly grins, 

May some day answer for a multitude of sins. 

He who would please his fellow-men, agreeable would be. 

And study well the codes of kindness and civility. 

Who prefers drink to goodly books lives on a carnal plane. 

That noble worth and righteousness to visit ne'er would deign. 

Pity the soul whose faith in God is weak. 

And to encourage always kindly speak. 

In everything the selfish heart consults self-interest. 

E'en when it stops to gaze unfeelingly at the distrest. 

The route to wisdom we shall never find, 

'Til business not our own we cease to mind. 

Who of his riches often boasts, to please his haughty pride. 

With wisdom or with understanding rarel)' doth abide. 

He who, with bad companions, loves to nightly stray, 

For his foolhardiness may sometime dearly pay. 

When dissipation enters a God-fearing home, 

How quickly peace desires far — far away to roam. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 89 

O hail, thrice hail ! whatever has a tendency to make 

The heart more pure and noble, and more just for goodness' sake. 

O, Word of God ! where like upon thy hallowed pages old, 

Can sinners find such peace and joy, or such unfading gold? 

Ay, av, an angry countenance, good sense repels, 

Like needless ignorance the wise, where learning dwells ! 

The persevering mind has wonders wrought. 

As mighty efforts of the past have taught. 

O mad Excess ! who follows thee is blind, 

To the best welfare of the heart and m.ind ! 

What woe, remorse, and pain doth liquor breed. 

To damn the home and force the heart to bleed! 

He who from indiscretion's sins abstains. 

Most wisely acts, by shunning needless pains. 

Lo, when will mischief-makers no more trouble sow? 

That seeds of kindness they should drop, when will they know? 

Remember, gossipers are dead to truth and shame, 

As they are to the honors of a worthy name. 

Intolerance is oft to meanness wed. 

And to the laws of right completely dead. 

No tongue can harm so long as we uprightly walk, 

Tho' gossipers should night and day about us talk. 

How bigots cling to erring creeds. 

E'en wiien they're running o'er with weeds! 

Unscrup'lous greed at honesty and justice basely grins, 

For how could it be otherwise when it so often sins? 

He wisely acts who doth refrain from strife. 

Rebuking those who would their neighbors knife. 

Whene'er we use our fellow-men for tools, 

We must be patronizing folly's schools. 

He who misrepresents his case for gain. 

Brings on his character a needless stain. 

The greedy heart to mammon sells its soul. 

Then goes to seed down in a greenback roll. 

Lo, to dumb animals, oh, never be unkind, _ 

Or you may seek in vain for nobleness of mind. 

Who can be just and still uphold religious bigotry. 

Who loves to follow in the footsteps of integrity? 

Few children e'er forsake the faith to them in childhood taught, 

However stormy, rough and drear, or bright may be their lot. 

The miserly the needy love to taunt. 

And basely sneer at those who come to want. 

"Look down upon the poor," fools say,— 

♦Twill never wash their sins away. 

How soon false friends depart, when we come down. 

When we put on misfortune's cheerless gown ! 



90 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Death only can reveal another life 

'Tis plain, whatever doctrines may be rife. 

How quickly wisdom disappears 

When stubborness men's reason steers! 

When men become but made-up shams, 

We cannot wonder reason damns. 

From sneering we can ne'er too soon refrain, 

Which causes needless, ay, uncalled-for pain. 

If we can do no good, why do our neighbors harm. 

Why not be wise, why not be ever cool and calm? 

Shun every kind of food that never doth with you agree. 

And every kind of pleasure that corrupts as quickly flee. 

Oh, Man ! do not forget that beasts can feel, 

When you would pierce them with a blade of steel ! 

Alas ! in selfishness we seek in vain to find. 

Sweet kindliness of heart, or nobleness of mind ! 

Rough natures often tread upon the feet of tenderness, 

When mercy's and compassion's laws they carelessly transgress. 

Indolent natures dread to exercise, 

As they do from a downy bed to rise. 

To be the despised slaves of cruelty has never paid, 

As they, no matter where, are ever on the down-hill grade. 

Who doth rebuke in an insulting manner. 

Is rarely seen beneath discretion's banner. 

This fact, oh, ponder well, then place on memory's choicest shelf, 

That men in general labor for the interests of self. 

A marriage ne'er is genuine in which love forms no part, — 

That's wanting in the magic cement of the human heart. 

Those unwise parents who their children aggravate, 

Should strive to rid themselves of such a senseless trait. 

Who laughs too frequently infringes on good sense, 

Tho' they with vagrants roam, or dwell with fortune's gents. 

How he good judgment lacks, who will to strangers show 

His purse of gold, and of its contents loudly blow ! 

Whose ill-behavior causes him to be despised, 

When bosom friends depart, ought not to be surprised. 

Far-seeing he must be who wovild a home in glory win, 

Who justly lives that he may be prepared to enter in. 

Because they lack for gold, how oft the gifted bow to want. 

When fortune's favored sons do naught but meanly grin and taunt. 

Who joyless wrangling and blind stubbornness will nurse. 

Must to the peace of home become a cruel curse. 

In judging character, oh, circumstances ne'er forget, 

To which the human race must ever deeply be in debt. 

Dumb animals, oh, ne'er abuse, but to them kindly speak, 

And never wantonly on them, your godless vengeance wreak. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^l 

People we do not love, how natural 'tis to slight, 

And when they often call, to wish them out of sight! 

Better with honor wisely walk, tho' we in rags appear, 

Than to grow rich thro' sin, and daily justice' servants tear. 

Who leads a double life, the tact of wisdom ne'er has learned. 

And needlessly in folly's fire may be severely burned. 

Better be readv for than fear the hour of death 

Than shudder ^at the thought of life's expiring breath. 

Tho' to perfection here no mortal can attain, 

Still wisdom daily cries: "O, strive and strive again ! 

Ay likely you will shun the pit-falls of despair, 

If you believe with all your heart in faith and prayer. 

Vain natures love their persons to adorn, 

Tho' in a cottage or a palace born. 

There's nothing takes the place of money here, 

However loved or prized, however dear. 

When melancholy moods are caused by bilious bile. 

On sweet contentment it has no desire to smile. 

So long as minds with noble thoughts are occupied. 

Between themselves and sin is seen a chasm wide. 

Count him no worthy friend, who sweetly smiles in palmy days, 

But frowns when adverse winds arise and from you meanly strays- 

When in a cot we dwell, the friends who rarely call 

Might be forgot when goodly fortunes to us fall. 

The heart of sterling worth, its love and mercy gives. 

And in the fear of God and justice daily lives. 

A narrow mind its faults too seldom sees. 

For it with self-conceit too well agrees. 

He who is oft abused by a mean boss, 

Is justified, no doubt, for being cross. 

How tranquil seem contentment's rosy bowers. 

When gentle peace its countless blessings showers ! 

In him who loves to inflict pain, 

For sympathy we seek in vain. 

Wisdom declares: "I much prefer good books ^^ 

To vain and gaudy show, or mere good looks. 

In this wide world of pleasure, pain and strife, 

Lo, how uncertain are the ways of life ! 

In character and works, O, seek for worth, 

But ne'er in empty words, nor gold and birth. 

Black hell ! old age, when cursed by chilling waut, 

When fruitless years continually taunt. 

He loses naught who values time, 

E'en tho' a devotee of crime. 

Alas ' a vain or fickle mind, lo. who would trust, 
Or piace dependence in? Ay, only those who must. 



92 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



He'll oft be slurred, and oft run down 

Who on his neighbors loves to frown. 

By dreading tasks, they harder seem to bear, 

As useless fretting but increases care. 

When we respect for other peoples' feelings show, 

In right and justice we believe, as friends of fair play know. 

Ay, ay, how true! a gossip-breeding heart 

Thro' its own folly oft is made to smart ! 

What woe and trouble spring from ignorance ! 

Ay, what a curse to earth's inhabitants ! 

Oh, what like rum the dens of sin can fill, 

Or quicker man's good resolutions kill? 

Lo, in strong drink a dangerous foe is found. 

Within whose whirlpool many a soul's been drowned. 

The poisonous cup, by it, oh, never tempted be, 

If you would shun the dismal haunts of misery. 

Oh, how men suffer when they notice every little thing, 

When they to fretfulness their wrongs and tribulations bring. 

Pity, poor suffering's staunchest friend has ever been, 

From whom, base selfishness can never hope to wean. 

The gloomy mind that o'er insults delights to brood, 

Has often dined on folly's peace-destroying food. 

As wisdom is non-partizan 

It always votes for the best man. 

Those who have learned to think 'tis hardest to deceive, 

As thoughtless minds o'er folly's sins more often grieve. 

How fools delight to hover round fair fortune's sons. 

And swiftl}' shoot their wads of praise thro' flattery's guns! 

Who would coerse his fellow-men, for justice careth not, 

More than the man who would allow his conscience to be bought. 

Who knows us not in stormy days, lacks nobleness of mind, 

In whom we seek in vain the righteousness of Christ to find. 

Who studies human nature may a mine of knowledge gain, 

That minds less wise and serious, to find might seek in vain. 

How often hearts are hardened by the love of gold. 

When sense and justice have to greediness been sold 1 

Who feels far — far above us when misfortune drags us down, 

On such, in better days, it seems as tho' we had a right to frown. 

The noblest saints of God, have oft in garrets dwelt, 

And without murmuring, the pangs of hunger felt. 

Who slights us when the world against us seems, 

Is never found where spotless justice beams. 

If men would look ahead what awful crimes they'd shun. 

And ne'er consent thro' wickedness to be undone. 

He who becomes inflated with conceited gas, 

Will never thro' the gates of understanding pass. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 93 

From hasty resolutions of impulsive hearts 
Spring bitter woes, at whose recital reason starts. 
Whoe'er forgets good deeds to praise, 
Or who the haunts of childhood's days? 
Kindly, not biting words, the fallen cheer. 
As love the virtues of the heart endear. 
When from the heart sweet purity hath flown, 



How soon departs the joy that it has known 

How wise are they who shun the haunts of vice, 

Whose godless charms can ne'er entice! 

'Tis plain, one's education never'll be complete 

So long as moral training sits in a back seat. 

Good-bye to peace in wedded life when love grows cold, 

And fond affection's flowers on memory's altars mould ! 

What woe and trouble spring from ignorance, — 

Oh, what a curse to earth's inhabitants? 

Indulgence shun, or habit's chains may bind, 

Destroying soon the body, soul, and mind. 

Who wise discretion lacks may oft be keenly stung, 

And often know what 'tis to have the bosom wrung. 

Ingratitude some den should seek. 

And never to a mortal speak. 

Lo, he who loves too well to growl "I can't," 

Ought to dwell with the fool who says, *'I shan't." 

He proves to be an enemy to love and peace 

Who of his neighbors' faults to talk will never cease. 

How oft the thoughts of those whose lot it is to roam. 

In fancy wander back to mother, love and home! 

The patriot's breast to home and country is allied, 

For whom so many men have fought and died." 

Disdain to be dishonest and fair play uphold, 

And ne'er your conscience sell to please your love for gold. 

Oh, prejudice the young against the flowing bowl, 

Which shatters health, and blasts the soul ! 

No place like home, to teach the truths of life, 

To those who soon must tread its fields of strife. 

When men despair, then self-possession flees. 

And terror's piercing claws their vitals seize. 

The kindly heart some feeling shows for others, 

Which soothes like love that springs from goodly mothers. 

Just to please spite, oh, never doubt a brother's word. 

Or prematurely judge before his case is heard. 

Pugnacious natures shun, if you would tranquil peace enjoy, 

As they delight in brawls, when they can injure and destroy. 

When we are spiteful, then the laws of right we disobey. 

And from the straight and narrow path are wandering far away. 



94 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



Whoe'er attracts attention by his zeal for doing good, 

The noblest fame has won, for he has dined on wisdom's food. 

Our shrewdest sins may advertise ns, when we least surmise, 

And wreck our prospects, to our sore distress and great surprise _ 

The farther from the saving grace of God we choose to stray, 

To sin's alluring wiles the sooner we'll become a prey. 

Who wrangles least in wedded life, most comfort really sees, 

As harmony, with gentle peace and love, the best agrees. 

IvO, e'en with oosom friends who love society, 

In everything how hard it seems to quite agree. 

He walketh not with Christ, who loves to wrangle and to scold, 

And, without sense or reason, boasts of property and gold. 

Oh, how unhappy dispositions chill the atmosphere, 

And dampen hope, and everything that man holds dear ! 

Beware of those who claim to have no weaknesses nor faults, 

Or you may sometime unexpectedly with folly waltz. 

An earthly paradise — a Christian home, 

From which love ne'er desires to hide nor roam. 

He wisest seems who carps and criticises least, 

Who on his neighbors' faults has no desire to feast. 

Wise are the rich who on degrading sin look down. 

Who on the lowly ne'er are known to meanly frown. 

Parents who furnish an attractive home 

Will find their children less inclined to roam. 

How blest are they who culture's classic heights attain. 

Who on its charming greens are wont to dance and train. 

Plead with the fallen, but not in an o'erbearing way. 

Or you for them may find it useless, e'en to pray. 

Much time he wastes, who broods o'er vain regrets, 

Like those who would bring back departed pets. 

Ay, ay, the lowly poor, tho' talented or not. 

By shoddy aristocrasy have been forgot. 

From two-faced gossipers, oh, pra^^ 

That God may lead you far away. 

By God, good deeds can ne'er forgotten be, 

Nor kindly words — the words of charity. 

O, for a contrite heart to worship God, 

To meekly bear in peace, his chastening rod ! 

Who rarely keeps his promises must be to honor dead. 

From whose ungodly presence it must long ago have fled. 

Pity the child whose parents to excess imbibe, 

And eschew those who sell their honor for a bribe. 

Who would be up-to-date must in the paths of progress tread. 

If he on shrewd advancement's dainties would be fed. 

He lacketh foresight who desires to wed whom he loves not, 

As woful records of the past have but too plainly taught. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 95 

The proud and haughty might from wisdom golden lessons learn, 

If they in humbleness of mind could common sense discern. 

To vainly boast of learning is to show one's want of it, 

Or knaves for honesty would toil, or simpletons for wit. 

Who squander gold for ostentatious show, 

The seeds of recklessness and sin must sow. 

When we have done our duty, O, how satisfied we feel. 

If we believe in fair play and an honorable deal. 

An inconsid'rate man on trouble often calls, 

Wanting for foresight so, in folly's pits he falls. 

The partial mind doth never rightly judge, 

More than the fool who loves to nurse a grudge. 

With pride and self-conceit, O, ne'er associate. 

If you in goodness' realm desire to be called great. 

Oh, never frown upon the humble efforts of the lowly, 

Nor mock the forms and ceremonies of the good and holy. 

Ay, truth and justice wisely act, when they do sneer 

At those who are in judging, wont to be severe. 

The callous heart of selfishness is never satisfied. 

In mansion or in cot, with tranquil peace, 'twill never 'bide. 

Base minds in nearly everything, do naught but evil see; 

Grinning at those who fail, they love so well iniquity. 

Be ever on your guard against mad jealousy. 

If you have no desire to act imprudently. 

How hard it seems to reason with a jealous mind, 

When daily signs of base unfaithfulness it strives to find! 

The evil-minded are more prone to be suspicious than 

A goodly heart, the flames of sin they love so well to fan. 

Who at the fallen meanly grin and sneer 

May some day long themselves for pity's tear. 

Act not insultingly, but your own business mind, 

If you sweet peace and happiness desire to find. 

Oh, never to the fallen harshly speak, 

But when you answer feel that they are weak. 

When tempted to act sinfully, ah, then, say "No," 

Or you the blighting seeds of folly may soon sow. 

Base minds too oft suspect, good ones to seldom for their weal, 

Or touching words and deeds to tender hearts do ne*er appeal. 

Alas ! how soon a haughty mind is by the world forgot ! 

And why not so, if it with sin and foolishness was fraught? 

Who striveth hard the public's eyes to blind. 

Possesses a base heart, and a low mind. 

Remember, evil minds do never fairly judge 

Those men and women, ay, toward whom they hold a grudge. 

Toward enemies how few desire to kindly act, 

Tho' they for goodly qualities have never lacked! 



96 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

How true, a bold and brazen face 

Is a fit emblem for disgrace ! 

Base is the heart that would deceive, 

Or cause the innocent to grieve. 

How often from mere foolish trifling, death ensues, — 

The sad reward of senseless fun, done to amuse ! 

The more men talk, the less they do, — 

This solemn fact, alas, how true! 

No mortal ever sinned like those who love to cruel be, 

Who seem to sadly want for kindness and humanity. 

Who sneer at mercy and no quarter give, 

With beings rational are totally unfit to live. 

Wise are those children who their faithful mothers' pleadings heed, 

Who on their good advice and kindly words would daily feed. 

Sometimes we can be taught by those we think not over bright, 

And goodness often find in those who wander from the right. 

With those who walk uprightly rogues ne'er feel at home, 

No more than atheists should they with Christians roam. 

Who thinketh evil thoughts doth not with wisdom walk. 

Nor with the noble and the good desire to talk. 

Whatever elevates must prove ennobling to the mind, 

And 'round the heart, life's virtues still more closely bind. 

Lo, education never will the place of talent take. 

Nor fools — if nat'ral born— the haunts of folly e'er forsake. 

Mere weather-vanes strong minds can ne'er in life becgme. 

Or old inebriates forget the name of rum. 

Who sneers at worth, and frowns on wise reproof. 

From justice' company must stand aloof. 

The selfish heart regardeth not the good of others, 

Or faith ne'er beams within the hearts of Christian brothers. 

Than beastly thoughts, oh, what are more akin to infamy? 

Or what will quicker link the soul to foul iniquity? 

Who weds a maid, whose mind is like a weather-vane. 

May know some day what 'tis to feel desertion's pain. 

To a fond mother's heart, how sweet's a cunning child, 

Whose tender heart by sin, has never been defiled ! 

If not within the bible, oh, where shall we find 

The truths which cleanse the heart and elevate the mind ? 

A necklace wove with kindly deeds is more to be desired 

Than precious jewels that have been by kings and queens admired. 

In trying hours, if we e'en glimpses catch of hope's bright rays, 

How'thankful we should be,as they bespeak more prosperous days. 

Mankind in general, ne'er to greatness' lofty heights e'er rise. 

Still, still, howsweet it seems to knowthat all maygoodnessprize. 

Quarrelsome dispositions love to wrangle and to jaw, 

A s they ne'er seem so much at home, as when with peace they war. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 97 

He who maligns his benefactor's name, 

Is surely dead to honor and to shame. 

Better to suffer much, however great our need, 

If our sole object be some kindly heart to bleed. 

Who speaketh to the point, in arguing is rarely slow, 

And in debate first prizes win, as wisdom's sages know. 

Who can oppress more cruelly than mammon's slaves, 

Or in the sight of justice fill less honored graves? 

The greedy slaves of self, for others seldom care 

How they may live or die, or what may be their fare. 

A proud and selfish man but rarely thinks of others; 

Living as tho' he'd never heard the name of "Brothers." 

How rarely men persuade when in a passion they correct, 

Tho' they by learning, fame or wealth be honorably decked ! 

How hard it seems to live an accusation down. 

Or to ward off suspicion's tantalizing frown ! 

When we the paths of rectitude forsake, 

How folly doth its sides with laughter shake ! 

His word the conscientious man doth highly prize, 

As he abhors deceit and brazen, bare-faced lies. 

Oh, be considerate, and with sweet kindness crown 

The brows of those who to old age are bowing down. 

But narrow minds are known to cater to the few,^ 

And foolish ones to run a handsome fortune through. 

"The light and frivolous in lit'rature," some say, 

"More oft than solid worth receives the greater pay." 

For others, selfish hearts begrudgingly give way, 

As with self-sacrifice they're rarely known to stray. 

Whate'er is bad, you will condemn, if you for justice stand, 

If you would labor for the welfare of your native land. 

Wisdom he seeks, who strives to do the best he can. 

To nobly act his part, and be a gentleman. 

Better among the lowly dwell, than to grow rich thro' fraud. 

And have your memory hissed when youare lying 'neath the sod. 

Wise he has grown to be, who's learned to think. 

Who shuns dark superstition's dangerous brink. 

When death draws nigh, how calm the Christian seems, 

How then his soul with thoughts of glory teems ! 

Commune with God, if you would find refreshing peace, 

If you would bid the chafing of your doubts to cease. 

Lovers of peace their neighbors' rights respect, . 

Tho' they in broadcloth or in rags be decked. 

O Animosity ! who can before thy venom stand?— 

Who doth not wish to see thee shipwrecked on some barren strand? 

Naught doth he gain w^ho envieth the rich, 

Nor those who stone a drunkard in a ditch. 



98 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



The name of mother never cease to venerate, 

Long's you revere whate'er is noble, good and great. 

With saucy children, oh, be stern, as well as kind. 

Or you may find it no child's play to make them mind. 

Resolve to never wed till from bad habits 3^ou are free, 

Or you may soon become a slave to sin and misery. 

Over exciting rumors ne'er your senses lose, 

If you would not bow down to folly and the blues. 

When all our aims are worthy, just and pure, 

Our chances for success are much more sure. 

This solemn fact, oh, never cease to bear in mind. 

No friend like a good mother we shall ever find. 

The kindly heart has no desire to frown 

On those who thro' misfortune have come down. 

When sorrow grieves the heart, and racks the soul. 

Oh, then lose not thy faith nor self-control ! 

Friends ne'er betray, for they'd be enemies, 

As calm reflection but too plainly sees. 

Spendthrifts are never from hot-water wholly free. 

They call so oft on trouble and adversity. 

Like home's, what influence for good or bad 

So charms the blushing lass, or hardy lad? . 

So long as wisdom's precepts men obey. 

To gaming tables they will never stray. 

Who would with mercy, love and justice live 

Must kindly act and know how to forgive. 

If knowingly we sin, then we should bide the consequence. 

So long as we respect the judgment of good common sense. 

Who hath his heart to love and kindness bound, 

Most worthy friends, indeed, at last has found. 

O, how the lives of worthy men and women fire 

The breasts of those who do in honor's courts, to rise, aspire! 

What joy and happiness we lose, when we to doubts give in. 

When but for them, we'd come to Christ, and bid adieu to sin ! 

Alas! think as he will, do as he may. 

The miser never gives his gold away. 

The slaves of prejudice but one side see. 

So rarely they with justice can agree. 

For favors past, oh, let us not ungrateful be. 

Nor like the miser frown on charity. 

Courtships too brief may end in wretchedness and woe, 

As matrimony's martyrs but too plainly know. 

He must possess a goodly share of justice and of tact. 

Who struggles hard to be in all his dealings most exact. 

Cold hearts have little charity for others. 

And seldom think to call their neighbors, "brothers." 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 99 

Never discourage those who long in life to rise, 
So long as you fair play revere, or justice prize. 
As eagles skyward soar, so bid your thoughts to heaven ascend, 

Where pain and sorrow never come, and pleasures never end. 

Lo, wholly bad he cannot be, who doth his parents love, 

E'en tho' his thoughts soar not this transient life above. 

No wise man visits where his company is not desired, 

If he to gain the golden paths of wisdom hath aspired. 

When health — when precious health has flown, 

Ay, when too late, how then we moan! 

The heart that's never moved by music's strains, how cold ! 

How callous it must be, how like unfeeling gold ! 

Who could e'er crave the wealth obtained thro' selfishness, 

Or fail its owner's character to value less ? 

How cheering seem the golden rays of hope, 

When thro' grim trouble's shades our way we grope! 

Lo, how suspicion acts an underhanded part, 

When, for no reason, it doth send a poisonous dart! 

Who daily entertains the noblest thoughts on life, 

Will never wantonly foment uncalled-for strife. 

Among the plainest flowers which form a part of womankind. 

We can quite readily the sweetest dispositions find. 

Who tread upon the necks of those who want for gold, 

May some day wake to find themselves out in the cold. 

A bully rarely insults those above his size, 

But an inferior berates, attacks, defies. 

When parents 'fore their young forget to rightly walk. 

How can we wonder when they're sometimes prone to mock? 

Those parents wisest seem who do with kindness rule. 

No matter where, at home, or in the world's great school. 

Among his fellow-men, whoe'er would hatred widely sow, 

Possesses a base heart, in which the seeds of discord grow. 

Correct a child, but never in a fit of rage. 

If you desire to tread the highways of the sage. 

The tiniest act of goodness ne'er should be forgot. 

By him for whom the kindly act was nobly wrought. 

Good music doth refinement breed, — 

Soothing the heart that's prone to bleed. 

Oh, envy not the worldly rich, 

Nor slur the drunkard in a ditch ! 

Better abide with peace, and in an attic, dim. 

Than with contention dwell in mansions grand and prim. 

Upon the poor the proud look down. 

And meanly grin when they don't frown. 

How soon are men forgot who leave no works behind. 

Who've wrought no telling deeds ennobling to the mind. 



100 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

Chastise a child when you are calm and cool, 

If you would bring him up in wisdom's school. 

Ah, yes! wish all men well, and no man ill, 

If you from justice' well would drink your fill ! 

No worthy follower of Christ, the poor would meanly slight, 

Or to please senseless pride, e'er wish the lowly out of sight. 

He who in everything would temperate be, 

A good old age, indeed, may live to see. 

A carnal heart, the innocence of youth corrupts, — 

Luring them into dens of vice, where folly sups. 

A tender heart, a child will not abuse. 

Nor when correcting, oft its temper lose. 

Lo! with your friends and neighbors strive to dwell in peace, 

And from back-biting and defaming quickly cease. 

Who has not made mistakes in life ? Who has not erred ? 

Who has not truth's and justice' censure oft incurred? 

For merely temporal, who would eternal riches give 

Who doth with Christ thro' all eternity desire to live? 

To home who would a steadfast champion daily be, 

Must shun the paths that lead to base iniquity. 

Hold fast your faith in God, when troubles meanly frown, 

Lest to the shades of death despair should drag you down. 

Parents who 'fore their children good examples set, 

Are saving them from many an evil deed and net. 

Be self-possessed upon the battle-fields of life. 

And calmest act, where'er the conflict seems most rife. 

How angry passion, home's sweet peace annoys, 

And, in the end its happiness destroys! 

Who o'er his temper rarely hath control, 

With woe and v/retchedness oft damns his soul. 

Who daily treads the pleasant paths of honesty and truth 

May justly be esteemed abroad or 'round home's sacred hearth. 

How often natures rude sensitive spirits shock. 

In broad-day light, thro' manners coarse and boisterous talk. 

Ah ! what is home when love and peace have flown, 

When jealousy its cankering seeds hath sown? 

Seek ye enduring love? O, then to Christ appeal, 

And with a contrite heart around His altars kneel. 

Within the souls of women faith most brightly shines. 

While gentle piety its tendrils round it twines. 

Lo, in religion's name, what nonsense they believe, 

Whose minds are credulous, and easy to deceive! 

Lo, none so oft's the ignorant are taken in 

By those who labor for the interests of sin ! 

In women, haughtiness repulsive seems, 

Whilst nowhere kindness with such lustre beams. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 101 

An evil mind loves to accuse the innocent, 

On breeding strife and making mischief 'tis so bent. 

A child has an advantage if he springeth from good stock, 

So long experience has proved, or wisdom man must mock. 

Good men and women ne'er unjustly criticise, 

As they fair play appreciate and dearly prize. 

Parents who carelessly before their children swear, 

Are sowing seeds that later'll poisonous blossoms bear. 

He loves to please who wears a smiling face, 

On which we can the lines of kindness trace. 

Ne'er nurse your troubles if you would with sunshine stray. 

If you with wisdom long to pass the time away. 

Be fretful and you'Jl know what 'tis to want for peace, 

Or godless rogues their fellow-beings never fleece. 

Those whom you can't respect, for friends ne'er deign to choose, 

Unless your love for justice you desire to lose. 

Tho' they be humble, mean, or poor, tho' simple or tho' great, 

Naught would we gain should we our enemies strive to berate. 

The slaves of fashion bow to vanity and pride, 

And with the gay and thoughtless love too well to 'bide. 

Avoid provoking those who can't their tempers rule. 

Unless it be your wish to play the part of fool. 

Ay, ay, of human nature daily learn 

Whate'er you can, and ne'er its teachings spurn. 

Against the rich, oh, never harbor spite, 

So long as you desire to stand by what is right. 

To censure never deign until you've learned the facts. 

Unless you'd copy after one who sense and wisdom lacks. 

With rumors have as little as you can to do, 

If you would not have folly make you blue. 

During exciting times, strive to be calm and cool, 

And you'll have no desire to play the part of fool. 

Long's you love a good name 'tis plain to see 

You'll shun the haunts of low society. 

Tempt not the weak but rather hang your head in shame 

When you desire to bring disgrace upon your name. 

Be not too easily put out, nor fretfulness e'er court. 

If you desire to anchor in discretion's tranquil port. 

Lo, with your neighbors strive to live, ay, peacefully, 

If you in justice' company desire to be. 

Look out for accidents when you foolhardy love to be, 

When you are deaf to prudence' cries to please your vanity. 

The priceless laws of health, oh, daily woo. 

Or sense and wisdom cannot 'bide with you. 

If with the good and wise you would reside, 

Then far from evil's haunts long to abide. 



102 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 



The more we love the good, the better we become, 

And to the luring cries of evil far more dumb. 

In trade, the greedy nature is so prone to cheat, 

Men never can too early learn to be discreet. 

Wherever industry is known to thrive 

The sons of enterprise are most alive. 

Mean natures seldom hesitate to sin 

When they thereby their crafty points may win. 

What trifling baubles please a simple brain, 

And satisfy the longings of the vain. 

As none like Christians can enjoy the Word of God, 

So none like patriots love their own dear, native sod. 

How nervous people suffer from imaginary ills. 

And without reason draw from apprehension's gloom}- tills! 

He who when danger beams on every side is calm, 

Is often saved from much unnecessary harm. 

Beware of people who would praise you to your face, 

Lest they in secret should your worthy name disgrace. 

We may be rich in this world's goods, and own heaps of gold dust, 

And still be wanting in what makes one noble, pure and just. 

Weak hearts so oft in failing's courts give up. 

With proud success they're never known to sup. 

Beware of those who love to sin, 

Or you may unawares be taken in. 

None like a sordid heart can taunt 

A fellow-being who has come to want. 

When home's relations seem all that we could desire. 

How then its influence our noblest thoughts inspire ! 

Who loves too well among his fellow-men to foment strife, 

Might in the dark for a slight cause his neighbor meanly knife. 

How foolishly he acts, who envieth the prosperous. 

And o'er the merest trifles loves to wrangle and to fuss. 

In life, whoever for perfection strives, must fail, 

Tho' rough or smooth the sea it be his lot to sail. 

Who would reflect before he stoops to sin. 

For truth and right may many a victory win. 

Over-indulgence shun as you would poison's bowl. 

If you regard your body and revere your soul. 

For those we truly love we never cease to care. 

But take an interest in their wishes and welfare. 

Success ne'er crowns the brows of those who shirk, 

But only those who diligently work. 

He who has won the maiden of his choice. 

If nature doth approve, may well rejoice. 

He who would rashly act must dearly pay. 

And with chagrin, uncalled-for debts defray. 



COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 103 

You'll hesitate, if wise, before you yield to rage, 

Before presumption's cause your services engage. 

The lovers of contention breed unseemly strife, 

And oft the joy and peace of home unjustly knife. 

The soul that's cursed with doubts and fears, 

Must shed its share of bitter tears. 

Parents who train their children in the ways of God, 

May honored be when they are lying 'neat'h the sod. 

Integrity and worth, but ne'er the color of the skin, 

No matter where or when, should honor's approbation win. 

Whom goodly fortune deigns to smile upon, 

The world with pleasure loves to praise and fawn. 

Children, profanity at home too often learn. 

And all its sad effects most needlessly discern. 

How oft life's expectations fail. 

Before the gaze of fact, how soon they pale ! 

In danger's thrilling hour, oh, self-possession seek. 

If you would shun the sad misfortunes of the weak. 

Honors unjustly earned soon pass away. 

When they shrink from the searching "light of day. 

In infidelity, how^ soon men go to seed, 

When they believe that they're no better than a weed ! 

Companionship with those we love, how fondly dear! 

The heart bow'ed down with grief and care, how it doth cheer! 

While their is hope, grace may reform the basest heart, 

And bid it from the gloomy haunts of sin depart. 

A heart with goodness running o'er, charms like the flower 

That sweetest blooms in ros}^ summer's gayest bower. 

In sorrow's dismal hours, oh, ever trustful be, 

Bidding your thoughts to dwell upon eternity. - 

The jealous heart its rivals underrates. 

And their dread presence never tolerates. 

Whoever can his tongue control, can well be proud. 

As he wdth golden wisdom must have been endowed. 

Lovers of soothing peace make home a heavenly place, indeed, 

When for contention they refuse to plant a single seed. 

For foes of liberty, tho' powerful or weak. 

Who but a soulless tyrant would a good word speak? 

Oppressors of the poor on mercy rarely call, 

And never at the feet of justice deign to fall. 

Fools can oppress, but angels help the fallen rise, 

And ne'er like slaves of pride their humble cause despise. 

Love not deceit but rather honest frankness woo. 

While you to justice' noble cause long to be true. 

The frowns of justice are for those who love to sin. 

Who for the cause of wickedness would prizes win. 



104 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 

When things at home go wrong, the heart soon weary grows, 

As all about, its damning seeds, contention sows. 

Good-breeding never fails to win respect 

From those who form a part of culture's sect. 

Impulsive natures rarely seem considerate, 

For prudence' counsels they have no desire to take. 

Purposeless minds like sailless vessels drift, 

As aimlessly from this to that they shift. 

Who guideth minds to aspiration's fount by tongue or pen, 

Must soon become a priceless blessing to his fellow-men. 

When weak-willed men to brutal passion meanly kneel. 

How soon the piercing arrows of remorse they feel ! 

He who believes that death ends all, may well despair 

When at him misery, pain and death do madly stare. 

Those parents have not lived in vain 

Who've learned their young to rightly train. 

Tho' reason errs — stilJ it is not a dangerous guide. 

When truth and understanding in its courts abide. 

Who do more often than the poor upon the poor look down, 

Or oftener insult, upbraid, or on them meanly frown? 

Who brings thro' actions mean, disgrace upon his honored name, 

Should not complain because he feels the fiery darts of shame. 

Who hath in beauty's or in fascination's wiles been snared. 

Hath not enough for golden wisdom's faultless precepts cared. 

O, how mankind are prone to venerate success, 

Tho' it be won thro' wicked craft, or righteousness ! 

Do not commence if you would ne'er bad habits learn, 

But night and day their most enticing offers spurn. 

Whoever to the fallen lends a helping hand, 

By kindness, love and right is ever known to stand. 

Who, when he's cornered, never hesitates to lie, 

Than truthful is more underhanded and more sly. 

Who maketh calls to find something to talk about, 

Might in some better business be engaged, no doubt. 

The heart is cold when ruled by selfishness and pride, 

When it doth far from love and righteousness abide. 

When tempted, think of mother, home and God, 

Or you may often feel the chastening rod. 

Who basely would insult the rich or poor, it matters not, 

Reveals a disposition mean, as history's tomes have taught. 

'Tis hard — hard to forgive a heart that would ungrateful be, 

Toward those who've by it nobly stood in dark adversity. 

For nobleness we seek in vain to find 

Within a sordid heart, or shallow mind. 

Thrice blessed is that child, who can a praying mother claim. 

If he to Christ his heart hath given, tho' obscure be his name. 



